Thomas Lyons 
Gardaí are appealing to the public for information regarding the theft of a land roller from a farm in the southeast of Co. Cavan. The Fleming land roller was stolen from farm land in the Mullagh area sometime over the past week. The Cavan Monaghan Garda Division posted on social media, describing the roller as having faded blue paintwork and a draw bar that was cut and reconnected with two pins, making it somewhat distinctive. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the roller is asked to contact investigating officers at Bailieboro Garda Station on 042 9694570.
This is not the first incident of farm-related thefts in recent times. Gardaí have noted that there is an increase in such thefts during spring and autumn, which they believe may be related to peak farming activity. In Bray, Co. Wicklow, officers launched an appeal for information last month following the theft of a Massey Ferguson 3075 tractor. The vehicle, which had a 94 KE registration, was taken from the Ballybrew area of Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow. The tractor was described as being in “mint condition with new tyres” and had distinctive halogen lights. The owner of the tractor believes that it was “lifted with a truck” and has asked people to get in touch with Gardaí if they came across a low loader with the distinctive red tractor.
There have also been a number of thefts of GPS technology from tractors in various parts of the country in recent weeks. Two such incidents occurred on separate farms in Co. Wexford on the same day. The first theft occurred on a yard in Rosslare, while the second occurred in Wellingtonbridge in the south of the county, also on a yard on April 6. In both cases, the GPS technology was taken directly from the tractors.
These incidents highlight the ongoing issue of thefts from farms across the country. Farmers are being urged to take extra precautions to safeguard their property. Gardaí have advised farmers to keep their gates locked, to mark their property with their Eircode, and to install CCTV cameras where possible. They have also urged farmers to report any suspicious activity to their local Garda station.
The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has also called on the government to provide more resources to tackle rural crime. The IFA has stated that rural crime is a major concern for farmers and that more needs to be done to protect their property. The organisation has called for the establishment of a dedicated Garda rural crime task force and for greater resources to be provided to local Garda stations. The IFA has also urged farmers to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to Gardaí.
In response to these concerns, the government has launched a new rural crime initiative. The initiative, which was announced in February, will see the establishment of a new Garda rural crime task force. The task force will be made up of 150 Gardaí who will be dedicated to tackling rural crime. The government has also pledged to provide additional resources to local Garda stations to help them combat rural crime.
The theft of farm equipment is not only a financial loss for farmers but can also be a major inconvenience. In some cases, it can also put the safety of farmers and their families at risk. It is important that farmers take the necessary precautions to safeguard their property and that the government provides the resources needed to tackle rural crime. Gardaí are urging anyone with information regarding any of these incidents to come forward and assist with their investigations.
