'Light up and lock up' - Rural crime warning

Brackets should be fitted to field gates to prevent them being easily lifted, according to Garda Síochána Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant John Fitzpatrick. Picture: C. Falls / iStock

The Gardaí recorded 166 incidents of thefts from farms in 2022, and 146 in 2021. The steps farmers can take to reduce thefts were discussed recently on the Teagasc Beef Edge podcast, with presenter Catherine Egan talking to Garda Síochána Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant John Fitzpatrick.

Sergeant Fitzpatrick said most burglar activity takes place between 5pm and 10pm, but thefts can occur at all hours and days of the week. “Security should be a principal part of a farmer’s daily routine”, he said. “Good habits and good practice, on a daily basis, are often better than expensive security products or expensive security systems”.