LIVESTOCK farmers in the outskirts of Labasa who have wrestled with the problem of rustlers for decades, claim they're having a good year.
Mohammed Aiyub, 39, of Nasealevu said after a long time livestock farmers were enjoying farming with an interest in increasing their stock.
Another farmer Mohammed Gani said they had almost turned their backs on raising animals because of thieves.
Mr Aiyub said he lost as much as 40 rams with a market value of $4800 to thieves each year for the past 10 years.
"Before, we used to lodge complaints with police but most times they'd show up two weeks after the report was lodged or had no van or something else was not available," he said.
"However, recent investigations and the arrest of several persons have brought us relief.
"We didn't want to increase our stock because of thieves but now we are actually thinking about doing that."
Mr Gani said thieves were knowledgeable about the farmers daily routine and would attack their farms on Fridays when they were away at the mosque for prayers.
"Or they'd cut the wire fence of the paddock furthest from the house."
Police spokesman Atunaisa Sokomuri said the police approach of being efficient and responding immediately to crimes was resulting in a high case resolution.
"All reports are weighed equally important and not just those inflicted causing harm to a person," he said.
"There may have been a level of laxity in the past towards thefts of animals but that has changed.
"We urge the public to inform police of suspects."