It’s claimed rural crime remains among the biggest concerns for farmers in parts of Clare.
It comes as a new survey has found that trespassing, break-ins, machinery theft and property damage were among the most reported incidents of reported rural crime.
Light up, lock up, mark your property and report suspicious activity; the message to Clare farmers aiming to avoid becoming victims of rural crime.
The advice comes in response to the latest Irish Farmers Journal survey, which found that trespassing was the main rural crime issue for the majority of the 1,500 farmers surveyed.
The top five reported incidents were quad, fertiliser and trailer theft, farmhouse break-ins, theft of diesel and power tools, cattle disturbance, property damage and trespassing.
Beef plan representative and Quilty farmer Joseph Woulfe says a farmer close to his property was targeted by thieves and this led to concern for others in the surrounding area.
He believes reduced engagement between the community and Gardaí is having a negative impact in rural areas.
The IFA’s Crime Prevention Executive says it’s often found that incidents of unlawful entry are followed by incidents of crime, warning that trespassing could be scoping exercises in some cases.
Barry Carey says response times have improved under the new Garda system, but it’s important that communities are front and centre in efforts to ward off rural crime.
You can listen to the full interview below.
