Garda air patrols to combat Christmas tree thefts in Wicklow

Gardaí are mounting regular air patrols on remote fir tree plantations in a bid to combat gangs of Christmas tree raiders.

Many growers in Co. Wicklow — which is home to the highest concentration of Christmas tree farms in the country — have invested in temporary security personnel, motion detectors, and hidden cameras to help deter thefts during the busy harvest period.

Supt Paul Hogan, who is based at Wicklow Town Garda Station, said Operation Hurdle, now in its fourth year, is helping win the war against gangs.