Full Breakdown
Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm Sheep “Theft” Turns Out to Be a Miscount
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Reported Sheep Theft and Police Clarification
On September 2, Thames Valley Police received a report that a number of sheep had been taken from Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm near Chadlington, Oxfordshire, sometime within the preceding ten days. Clarkson, the 66-year-old former *Top Gear* presenter, told *The Sun* that he and co-star Kaleb Cooper had discovered eleven breeding ewes missing when they attempted to count their flock. He warned local residents about “sheep rustlers” and said the animals were worth more than £2,000.
Later, Thames Valley Police issued an update stating that the alleged theft was the result of an accidental miscount by farm staff. All sheep have been accounted for and the investigation was closed.
Background & Context
Clarkson’s farming venture, filmed for the Amazon series *Clarkson’s Farm*, is a 1,000-acre estate in the village of Chadlington, close to Chipping Norton. The presenter frequently works with farm manager Kaleb Cooper to manage a mixed flock that includes 27 Easycare sheep. The incident arose while the pair were conducting a routine headcount of the remote field.
Data & Statistics
- Sheep claimed missing: 11 breeding ewes
- Market value per ewe: £205 (total value > £2,000)
- Total flock size referenced: 27 Easycare sheep, of which only 16 were located in the remote field during the count
- Investigation window: reports indicated the alleged theft occurred over a ten-day period prior to the September 2 report
Official Statements & Responses
Thames Valley Police confirmed that no offence had been identified and that the report stemmed from an “accidental miscount” by farm staff. A police spokesperson said the force was no longer investigating the matter after all animals were accounted for.
He later reiterated his disappointment at the National Television Awards on September 8, stating that the missing sheep had not been found and emphasizing the monetary loss.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Initial media coverage, including statements from Clarkson and early police briefings, presented the incident as a theft of eleven sheep. Subsequent police communications clarified that the animals were never stolen, attributing the discrepancy to a counting error. The shift from a criminal investigation to a closed case highlights a gap between early public statements and the final police assessment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The police have been very good, actually.” — The Sun
- “It’s a farm. We’re armed. Just so they know. It p*es me off. Honestly, it just pies me off.” — Jeremy Clarkson
- “The sheep have not been located and our investigation is ongoing.” — spokesperson
What’s Next
With the investigation closed, no further police action is expected. Clarkson’s next public appearance on the scheduled September 8 National Television Awards will likely be his final comment on the matter.
