A surprising turn of events unfolded when a group of llamas came to the rescue, helping to apprehend a would-be thief in a field until the police arrived. This heartwarming incident took place on a dark evening last Monday on the farmland owned by Heidi Price and Graham Oliver in Derbyshire, England.
The drama began when a man, who had just stolen from a local woman, attempted to escape by squeezing through a fence onto the couple’s property. However, his getaway plan quickly unraveled. As he dashed through the field, eight vigilant llamas galloped toward him and formed a protective circle around the startled suspect.
Graham was alerted by the llamas’ distinctive warning calls, which resemble an old man’s laughter. He ventured into the field with his dog, only to find the “terrified” thief encircled by the towering six-foot llamas. “We’ve got eight llamas, and they don’t appreciate intruders in their space after dark,” Heidi explained, arriving home to see police officers waiting on the roadside.
As the llamas surrounded the intruder, the couple’s dog added to the chaos by barking around his feet, increasing the man’s alarm. “My partner guided him back across the field to the fence, where the police were able to arrest him,” Heidi recounted with a sense of humor about the unusual situation.
Heidi also reflected on how much worse the situation could have been for the thief. Had he ventured further into the field, he could have encountered five massive bulls, which might have led to a far more daunting encounter. “But the llamas made a citizens arrest,” she joked, pondering if they might deserve some kind of award for their heroic actions!
Heidi, who reluctantly took in the llamas a decade ago from a closing farm, has since become an active member of the British Llama Society and has learned a great deal about these fascinating creatures. Initially, the llamas were not used to human interaction, but during the pandemic, she dedicated time to work with them, helping them become comfortable around people. Thanks to her patience and support, the llamas are now calm and even serve as therapy animals, providing support for those dealing with mental health challenges.
Her llama therapy program has garnered recognition, with a description published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy. “Llamas are truly remarkable animals. Their only defense is spitting, and they were nearly extinct until people realized their incredible abilities as guard animals for sheep and chickens,” Heidi shared, highlighting the unique role these animals play.
This delightful tale is a testament to the unexpected ways nature can surprise us, showing that even llamas can be crime-fighting heroes!
