Clare’s Crime Prevention Office is urging farmers to secure property, following a spate of thefts of trailers from farm yards over the past fortnight.
Gardaí say those involved in this type of crime traditionally spend a lot of time driving around, identifying vulnerable properties and any out of character behaviour may have raised flags for people living nearby.
They’re appealing to communities to be extra vigilant for each other.
Sergeant Edel Burke from Kilrush Garda Station said there are a number of measures farmers can take to deter criminals from entering your yard.
“Perhaps you saw a trailer being towed at an unusual hour, please ring in to your local garda station with the description of the car or jeep towing it.
“We are asking you to try to deter the theft of these trailers and maybe consider that your property is stored securely and gates locked to deter criminals from entering your yard.
“Perhaps park the trailer into a corner of the yard and park the tractor beside it so that they can’t access the trailer.
“Ensure you have property marked and have photos of serial number and of property.
“If you can afford airtags on your large pieces of equipment this is an excellent deterrent, but at the least have a lock on your hitch, and perhaps a wheel clamp,” Sergeant Burke concluded.
