A new national campaign, with a €10,000 reward for “significant information”, has been launched to combat the problem of livestock theft.
Jointly organised by Crimestoppers, the Irish Farmers Association and an Garda Síochána, the campaign is calling on members of the public and in particular those in the farming community with information on the theft of cattle and sheep to come forward with information.
In Clare alone, 22 livestock were in 2013 and 13 in 2014. Theft of both cattle and sheep is an issue that affects all regions of Ireland, and in one incident during 2014, one farmer had 17 of his 18 calves stolen by thieves.
Tim Dalton, chairman, Crimestoppers said, “Crimestoppers provides a fully confidential means for every citizen to report crime, without fear of recrimination. The call is free and the information is given completely anonymously. The service has consistently proved very valuable in eliciting information to assist investigations in both urban and rural Ireland.”
IFA President Eddie Downey said, “ Apart from the financial loss, the trauma inflicted on farm families leaves them very vulnerable and stressed. “We are taking this initiative with the gardaí and Crimestoppers and putting up a reward of €10,000, to get significant information that will lead to the arrest and charge of individuals in connection with livestock theft.”
Assistant Garda Commissioner, Derek Byrne also called on the public to contact them or Crimestoppers if they see any suspicious activity in their area.
You can contact Crimestoppers confidential telephone service on 1800 25 00 25 or any garda station.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.