Gardaí issue warning over rustling of cattle and sheep
Theft of cattle and sheep is an issue that affects all regions of Ireland, causing significant problems for the farmers who fall victim to the criminals.
Last year, one farmer had 17 of his 18 calves stolen by thieves, causing significant financial loss, according to the joint group.
IFA president Eddie Downey said that the theft of cattle and sheep is a real issue for farmers.
“Apart from the financial loss, the trauma inflicted on farm families leaves them very vulnerable and stressed,” said Mr Downey. “This is something that comes up repeatedly at IFA county executives around the country.
“We are taking this initiative with the gardai and Crimestoppers and putting up a reward of €10,000, to get significant information that will lead to the arrest and charge of individuals in connection with livestock theft.”
Assistant garda commissioner Derek Byrne said that livestock theft is a crime that can be solved.
“Livestock theft is a problem that can be tackled if enough information is provided,” he said. “I am appealing for members of the public, and in particular any member of the farming community, who have noticed or heard about suspicious activity around farms in their locality to come forward to either An Garda Síochána or to the confidential Crimestoppers 1850 250025 number.”
Tim Dalton, chairman, Crimestoppers said that all information received by the organisation is dealt with confidentially.
“Crimestoppers provides a fully confidential means for every citizen to report crime, without fear of recrimination,” said Mr Dalton. “The call is free and the information is given completely anonymously.
The service has consistently proved very valuable in eliciting information to assist investigations in both urban and rural Ireland. We hope this campaign will prove similarly successful in tackling livestock theft.”
Anyone with information on livestock theft is asked to contact gardaí Station or Crimestoppers on 1800 25 00 25. All calls to Crimestoppers are free and anonymous and could lead to a reward for information.
The sponsors of Irish Crimestoppers Trust include the Department of Justice, the Department of Health, the Vintners Federation of Ireland, Done Deal, Ulster Bank, and Netwatch.
