Gardai urge vigilance after thefts on County Limerick farms
A quad bike was stolen after from a farm in Oola overnight
LIMERICK gardai are investigating thefts from farms in County Limerick.
Sergeant Michelle O’Halloran, Crime Prevention Officer at Henry Street Garda Station commented:
“In Newcastle West, a farmer discovered that his tractor had been damaged after offenders smashed a side window before stealing the tractor bucket from the yard.
“In a separate incident in Oola, a quad bike was stolen after being left on a farm overnight. Gardaí are investigating both incidents and would appeal to anyone who noticed suspicious vehicles or activity in either area to report same to your local Gardai.
Sgt O’Halloran explained that farm machinery is valuable and unfortunately attractive to thieves.
“Where possible, park machinery inside locked sheds or behind secure gates. Remove keys when vehicles are not in use and consider fitting tracking devices to tractors and quads. Good lighting, CCTV and regular property checks can also act as strong deterrents. Marking machinery with a unique identifier also makes it easier to identify and recover stolen property.
The local crime prevention officer concluded: “Whether it’s your home, your farm or someone calling unexpectedly to your door, pause, take a few moments to think about security. Lock up before you turn in for the night, be cautious of cold callers, and report suspicious activity to Gardaí.