Farmers in the Premier County are being warned of a number of break-ins to sheds and workshops in recent weeks.
Power tools were the prime target in recent incidents in West Tipp.
Crime Prevention Officer Sgt John McCormack says it’s important to ensure farmyards are secure to make life as difficult as possible for thieves.
“The most important things with farms and farm sheds are to restrict access to your yard. Know who is coming and going to your yard. We’re always saying about ensuring the gate is closed and locked. It’s a deterrent – one of the major deterrents. At night time then ensure the yard is well lit up. At this time of year I know farmers are busy and there’s machinery going and cows are starting to calf. But still – close the outside gate and the yard well lit up.”
As well as ensuring that gates and sheds are locked Sgt McCormack is also encouraging farmers to keep a record of equipment and machinery.
“Take a photograph of them and record the serial numbers of them because occasionally we recover property and we’re just trying to return it to the owner – so just have proof of ownership in relation to those power tools.
“Also consider installing an alarm in vulnerable areas of your farm – your machinery shed or where you keep your power tools. Finally any reports or anybody suspicious or bogus callers calling to your yard report it to An Garda Siochana.”
