Better vigilance and CCTV have reduced farm thefts of metal

Greater vigilance by metal companies, including the recording of customers’ details, have reduced the number of thefts from farms across County Galway over recent months.

The theft of metal had become a major problem over the past year on farms across the county but the situation has eased somewhat in recent months.

Gardai have been in contact with companies that accept metal and have urged them to obtain more details from people who submit materials for sale. Some installed CCTV cameras to record the transactions that take place.

It has been confirmed by Gardai that there are less metal thefts from farms compared to earlier in the year and they say that this may be down to more vigilance and responsibility by the metal companies.

Farm gates, machinery, trailers and even buckets from diggers have been stolen from farmyards across County Galway since the price of metal escalated.

However, farmers have been warned that they should not be complacent when it comes to protecting their property.

Detective Sergeant Mick O’Driscoll has advised farmers to secure their property at all time and to use locks at night to prevent farm machinery or equipment from being stolen in the dead of night.

“Reports of metal thefts from farms have not been a prevalent of late but that is not to say that they are not happening. We know that the Gardai are not informed about some of the thefts that occur.

“The advice to farmers is to ensure that their farmyards are locked and so too are their sheds so as to make it as difficult as possible for the intruders”, Detective Sergeant O’Driscoll added.

Crimestoppers say that farms are particularly vulnerable to metal theft and farmers are urged to take practical steps to protect their property.

“This is important for two reasons. Firstly, and crucially, farm equipment is expensive and its theft can result in great inconvenience and expense to the farmer.

“Secondly, it is important that we come together as a community to try to reduce the incidence of metal theft.

 “There are a number of practical steps that farmers can take to protect their metal. Deterring thieves from entering your farm and from taking your property is the goal.

“Access gates to your property should be closed. Consider if signage would be appropriate and get specialist advice on the installation of a visible intruder alarm to provide internal protection for buildings”, they advise.

Farmers are advised to ensure any metal machinery or equipment is securely stored and protected by good quality locks, bolts and bars.