‘Don’t confront them’: Garda warning to Limerick farmers after suspected trespass reports

GARDAÍ have urged farmers not to put themselves at risk after suspected trespassers were reported at two rural properties in County Limerick.

Sergeant Michelle O’Halloran, Crime Prevention Officer, at Henry Street Garda Station commented:

“Overnight between the 26th and 27th of August, a farmer in the Hospital area reported suspected trespassers on his land. Then, in the early hours of the 31st of August, shortly after half past two in the morning, a female reported hearing males outside the gates of her farmyard, close to the family home in the Kilmallock area. Thankfully, in both cases there was no property reported stolen and the individuals weren't encountered by the farmers.”

Sgt O'Halloran added that these incidents highlight the importance of farmers being aware of what is happening around their properties, particularly during the hours of darkness.

She said trespassing is something they encourage farmers to be very mindful of. “Farms can be large areas of land, often with several entrances, fields, yards and outbuildings, and it can be difficult to know who is accessing the property, particularly during the night. The important thing is not to panic and, importantly, not to put yourself at risk. There are a number of simple steps farmers can take to make their property more secure.”

The local crime prevention officer reminded farmers to keep gates closed and locked where appropriate and regularly check fencing, gates and other boundary points for signs of damage or interference.

“Around the farmyard, make sure sheds and outbuildings are properly secured, particularly if they're not occupied. Good lighting is also very useful. Motion- activated lighting and CCTV can act as a deterrent and can also provide valuable evidence if an incident does occur.”

Sgt O'Halloran offered the following advice:“The first thing I'd say is don't confront them. If you can safely observe from inside your home or another secure location, take note of what you can — a description of the person, clothing, any vehicle involved, the registration number and the direction they're travelling. That information can be extremely useful to Gardaí.”

“Things such as gates being left open when you know you've secured them, damaged fencing, cut or broken locks, unfamiliar vehicles around farm entrances, or people showing an unusual interest in machinery, sheds or outbuildings.

Sgt O'Halloran concluded: “I'd encourage farmers to regularly check around their property, particularly if they have an older or unoccupied building. Farmers know their own land very well, so if something doesn't look or feel right, don't ignore that instinct.”