All gardaí working in Drogheda Garda Station have been formally warned to be extra careful of their safety.

Crime and criminal damage is costing small businesses €1.5bn annually — a figure which has increased by almost 60% in the past five years.

The annual cost of crime to the country's small business sector is €1.5bn, according to a survey published today by the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises association (ISME).

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.

THREE out of every five shop owners have been burgled or attacked in the past year, a survey has found.