Gardaí target Christmas tree raiders as growers predict bumper harvest

A seasonal garda operation to target Christmas tree raiders is now “in full swing”, as growers predict a bumper harvest of festive firs.

Operation Hurdle, which is now in its sixth year, will see an increased garda presence between now and Christmas in Co Wicklow, which has the highest concentration of Christmas tree farms in the country.

Regular air patrols in the run-up to Christmas will also enable gardaí to keep an eye on any suspicious activity around the more remote plantations across the county.