Rustlers graduate from prize bulls to quad bikes

IN scenes reminiscent of the Wild West, farmers in rural Ireland are being hit by a fresh crime wave that has seen a surge in sheep and cattle rustling.

In a more modern twist, however, thieves are also targeting quad bikes, tractors, car batteries, tools, machinery and even a half-tonne roller.

Among the crimes being investigated are the theft of three €4,000 pedigree bulls from the Roscommon-Leitrim border, 40 sheep from a farm in the west, a 500cc Honda quad bike worth €8,000 in Co Cork and a half-tonne roller stolen from a field in Bandon, Co Cork.

Members of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) say diesel is also a big target.

West Cork ICSA chairman Dermot Kelleher revealed he had €500 worth of tools and equipment stolen on Sunday.

“A neighbour had drills, hedge clippers and other garden equipment stolen,” said Mr Kelleher, a farmer in Inchigeela, Co Cork.

“Thieves even stole a roller from a field in Bandon. That’s a half-tonne weight. It’s two tonnes when it’s full of water.”

The ICSA has heard similar stories from all over the country. Thefts have increased 5%, but the ICSA’s anecdotal evidence paints a far worse picture.

Mr Kelleher summed up the threat. “Before, we never locked up the house. We couldn’t because we didn’t have any locks. At that time, we thought we didn’t need them. You wouldn’t dream of doing that today.”

In response, the ICSA has joined forces with the gardaí to launch a campaign, called Running Safer Communities.