Warning as thieves bag and steal turf from Offaly bogs in dead of night

There has been a number of thefts of turf in Offaly in recent weeks with locals reporting people on bogs in the dead of night.

With many people currently saving turf on bogs across the county, reports locally of thefts have increased with some people catching thieves in the act on turf banks in the north of the county in particular. 

Offaly Live has been made aware of at least two incidents in the county this month with one local discovering a group of people bagging his turf and putting it into a car.

People find it difficult to prevent the thefts with many bogs located on open laneways, making it easy for thieves to operate in the dead of night.

Gardaí have said they are not aware of any specific reports of thefts and they do not provide specific crime prevention advice in relation to bogs. 

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For land owners general, they suggest "fencing, hedges and walls should be robust, well maintained and checked regularly for breaches."

People with turf on gated landed are urged to ensure these gates are locked at night. People can report any thefts to their local Garda Station.