POLICE in Tavistock are asking people whose properties back on to common land to check the condition of their fences.
The main road through Horrabridge was closed on Sunday night while police took part in an operation to clear the highway of roaming sheep.
The animals have been escaping from common land into gardens and onto the highway repeatedly during the last month — they were finally rounded up with the help of a local farmer and several members of the police force.
Sergeant Peter Horgan said: 'Sometimes we have been having as many as five calls a day about these sheep — they are a serious traffic hazard.
'We had to close the road because they were running everywhere.'
Sgt Horgan said the sheep were finally taken away with the help of a local farmer, Mr Cole.
'He was brilliant, without his help we would still have the problem. Every time the officers went there they would starburst and go all over over the place — we're not shepherds, after all,' he said.
'It has been taking up a large amount of police time and resources.'
Sgt Horgan said police have to treat animals on the road as a priority call because of the hazard they pose to motorists.
'If your house backs on to common land you have the responsibility of keeping the fence in order,' he warned.