THEY are an unlikely target for a gang of criminals. But police in West Lothian are investigating the bizarre theft of a herd of alpacas from a field near Uphall.
The docile animals, which are similar to small llamas and are prized for their extremely fine wool, disappeared on Sunday night, with the rustlers using a truck to make their getaway.
The 11 alpacas, who are more commonly found in South America, had become a common sight on the hills around owner Fiona Wallace's Longmuir Croft home.
Two llamas were also taken in the raid, with police now appealing for information to catch the thieves and return the animals to their adopted home.
Mrs Wallace, 65, who is a partner in an agricultural business, has kept alpacas for six years, after she became captivated by them when she first saw the animals at the Royal Highland Show.
While she uses the highly-sought after wool to make luxurious teddy bears, and has used them as the basis for a popular children's book, Alpaca Magic, Mrs Wallace said she did not keep the animals for business.
"They are priceless to me, and really I am just devastated," she said.
"I saw them on Sunday when me and my husband were working on the croft and they were fine. Then when I came out this morning they were all gone.
"Someone has smashed the gate to get in and they must have driven them away. I have no idea why they have been stolen. They have been kept in the same field at the croft for years and have been fine."
All of the animals had been neutered, and so cannot be used for breeding, but it is likely they have been stolen for their wool which is amongst the most expensive in the world.
The Scottish SPCA asked people to be vigilant and report anything which may be related to the theft. A spokeswoman said: "Getting these animals back safe and sound will be the priority, so if anyone has seen something, it is important they contact the police as that is how these animals will be found."
A police spokeswoman appealed for witnesses.
"These animals are of a high value and they have obviously been taken by someone who knew what they were doing.
"The owners are understandably devastated as they thought of these animals as pets, and so the theft is highly distressing.
"We are appealing directly to anyone within the industry who may have any information about this theft to come forward."
THE FACTSAlpacas are very similar to llamas, but are slightly smaller and have straight ears, unlike the llamas' banana shaped ears.
Native to South America, they are not used as pack animals, like llamas, but have always been kept for their wool.
While similar to sheep's wool, alpaca wool is thought to be warmer, as the fibre is hollow and so better for insulation.
It is not prickly, and is naturally hypoallergenic.
It's softness and fineness enable the spinner to produce good-quality yarn with comparative ease, and is highly prized for everything from sweaters to jacket linings.
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www.lbp.police.uk•
www.scottishspca.org