Crime prevention - Longer winter nights bring increased risk of farm theft
Irish Farmers Journal podcastsSummary
As the nights grow longer, the risk of farm thefts in rural Ireland increases, prompting law enforcement to issue warnings to farmers. Sergeant Fergus McRory highlights that thieves often target easily movable items such as quads and trailers. He advises farmers to take proactive measures by securing their property with locks, lighting, and surveillance systems, and to think like a thief to identify vulnerabilities.
The discussion emphasizes the importance of community vigilance. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity immediately rather than waiting for someone else to act. McRory notes that with rising oil prices, there is also an increased risk of oil theft, urging farmers to remain alert to unusual vehicles in their area.
To combat theft, marking property with unique identifiers and using tracking devices like air tags can aid in recovery if items are stolen. McRory stresses that while it is important to deter thieves, safety should always come first, advising farmers to contact authorities rather than confront potential criminals directly. The implementation of CCTV systems, complemented by good lighting, is also recommended as an effective deterrent and means of gathering evidence.
Show Notes
Longer winter nights bring increased risk of farm theft Stephen Robb speaks to Sergeant Fergus McGroary at the recent Donegal IFA Crime Prevention event in Newtowncunningham about the key steps farmers can take to protect their farms from theft during the winter months. Edits: there was one restart about halfway through Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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