Vigilance urged following thefts

GARDAÍ are advising farmers to be more vigilant following the theft of trailers, electric batteries, power tools, cattle, poultry and other items in west Cork.

Farmers are being urged to restrict access to yards, fix gates to sturdy concrete or metal post, install alarms and CCTV, and to store tools and machinery in sheds overnight.

Cork West Garda Division crime prevention officer Sgt Ian O’Callaghan said: “In recent months the majority of thefts in west Cork have been farm related, and a lot has been down to the negligence of farmers in making their property very accessible and easily removable for criminals. A wide variety of property is being targeted, including trailers, power tools, copper and metals. Insecure sheds, or very poorly secured sheds, are the main factors contributing to these types of thefts. Other related thefts include tractor batteries being targeted, diesel from insecure tanks and diesel from tractors, electric batteries and fences, transformers and some instances of cattle, poultry and goats being stolen.”

Sgt O’Callaghan is available for presentations at IFA, Macra Na Feirme, ICA and other meetings in the Cork West Garda Division. Email [e-mail] or call the Crime Prevention Office in Bandon at 023-8852261, 086-8282333.