Watch: Farmers targeted by thieves set up rural crime warning system

A farmer who has personally experienced his farm being targeted by thieves says that the increase in rural crime has led to the establishment of a warning system in his area.

Laurence Ward from Killsallaghan, north County Dublin, believes that taking part in community initiatives such as dedicated WhatsApp groups can provide reassurance to farmers concerned about rural crime.

Ward said more than 200 farmers in his area have signed up to a special WhatsApp group sharing information about possible rural crime or related issues.

Ward also highlighted that one of the biggest concerns for farmers at the moment is the increase in theft of GPS equipment, which he said is a particular problem in north Co. Dublin.

He told Agricultural land He estimates that there has been an increase in rural crime in recent months, with GPS equipment worth around €1 million stolen across the country.

Ward said GPS thefts in Co. Dublin accounted for around €200,000-€300,000 of the total.

“We have international criminal gangs coming in, flying into Dublin airport and also coming in through the ports, in gangs of five or six,” Ward said.

Ward added that some of the key areas being addressed are North Co. Dublin and East Meath, due to their proximity to the airport, along with Co. Wexford, due to its location in relation to the port.

Since then, he has taken a number of precautions on the farm, such as security cameras that light up at night and trackers on machinery.

He also plans to install sensors on gate and barn doors so that farmers will be alerted if the lock is tampered with.

Ward added that one of the precautions is simply the ‘ear and mouth’ approach through local community groups.

Crime in the countryside

The Fingal Farmers group set up a WhatsApp group in 2015 to monitor crime. This was due to the increase in crime in the countryside, with farmers in the area facing threats and frequent offences.

The group’s 200-plus members warn each other when unusual activities occur, for example by providing information about suspicious vehicles or uploading photos of suspicious people.

The content is then checked by the group administrator and if necessary the police are contacted.

Ward believes that these types of groups can reduce the risk of crime, but he also believes it is important that farming organisations continue to work with government to establish a rural crime unit.

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) recently met with the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, to raise its concerns with the Minister personally, and is reportedly awaiting a response.