Brighton farmer loses 6 animals as cattle rustlers strike again in Corentyne

Cattle rustling has once again reared its head on the Corentyne in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), this time leaving a Brighton Village farmer counting heavy losses after six head of cattle were stolen from his pen under the cover of night.

The latest victim, 38-year-old Karon Thom, of Brighton Village, Corentyne, said the theft was discovered early Thursday morning while he was preparing to leave home.

Thom explained that upon checking the cattle pen, he immediately noticed clear signs that the animals had been forcibly removed. The covering of the pen had been disturbed, the back gate was open, and the ropes used to secure the cattle had been interfered with.

“When I come and check, I see the back gate open. One cow that was tied, I see it loose, and the next one what tie, I see the rope cut and left in the pen,” Thom said.

Based on what he observed, Thom believes the animals were driven out of the pen on foot, chased away by the rustlers rather than transported in a vehicle.

“So I suspect somebody drove with the cow there,” he said, using the term to mean the cattle were run out or chased from the area.

He told this publication that after discovering the theft, he searched the surrounding lands and nearby routes but found no trace of the animals, adding that the thieves likely moved quickly through the backlands.

Thom said the six head of cattle have an estimated total value of about $1.5 million, describing the loss as a severe blow to his livelihood.

“That is my life. I depend on that,” he said.

Although he also works in the rice industry, Thom explained that cattle rearing plays a critical role in supporting his household, particularly during difficult periods in the rice sector.

“For instance, when the estate [Skeldon Sugar Estate] close, I buy one; one die, and I try with the calf alone. That is how I get an increase from the one that survive,” he explained, outlining how carefully he built his small herd over time.

Thom confirmed that the matter was reported to the police and said he is hoping for a proper investigation and recovery of the animals. However, his confidence is shaken, as this is not the first time he has been targeted.

“This is the second time cows missing from me,” he said.

The first incident occurred about a year and a half to two years ago, when cattle were also stolen from him. On that occasion, Thom said he eventually recovered the animals, but only after paying money.

“Somebody stole them the last time too, and I had to pay money to get them back,” he recalled.

This time, Thom is hopeful that his cattle can be recovered and that stronger enforcement will prevent him and others on the Corentyne from becoming repeat victims.

Rustling plaguing region

Meanwhile, Thom’s experience mirrors concerns raised earlier this year by farmers across Region Six, particularly those with livestock in backlands and remote grazing areas.

Earlier this year, farmers publicly complained of an increase in cattle theft, pointing to organised rustling operations that exploit isolated grazing lands and poor visibility in the backdam areas.

Police have also acknowledged the challenge. During the 2025 Christmas Policing launch, Region Six police officials said cattle rustling remains a persistent issue, especially in agricultural districts.

The Guyana Police Force had indicated that mounted, mobile, and marine patrols would be intensified in vulnerable backlands areas to disrupt rustling activity and deter offenders.

Nevertheless, farmers are now calling for more visible patrols, quicker investigations, and harsher penalties for offenders, arguing that cattle theft is not a petty crime but a direct attack on rural livelihoods.