Farmers are being warned not to patrol their land with guns after a series of reported rural break-ins.
Rural residents have reportedly begun guarding their own properties – after the closure of regional Garda Stations.
Among the latest criminal victims is 93 year-old Johnny Carroll – who was imprisoned in a raid on his farm in Balrath, County Meath – on Wednesday night.
The law here allows – reasonable force – when defending your home.
But John Tully, organiser of the 'Save Our Community' group says that people will become no better than criminals if they turn into 'vigilantes'.