Christmas tree thieves face heightened security

Christmas tree growers have had to step up security on their farms to combat the rising numbers of criminal gangs trying to hack down their festive firs.

The Irish Christmas Tree Growers Association says many of its members are on high alert and have employed security guards and set up CCTV around their plantations.

Gardaí have even launched air patrols in parts of Wicklow — which is home to one of the highest concentration of Christmas tree farms in the country — to spy on raiders.