Tag Archives: rural crime

LOCAL communities around South-East Clare are said to be on high alert currently, over concerns about a spate of dog thefts, as well as the presence of roving burglars. It follows the seizure last week of a number of pedigree breeds by Gardaí in Limerick, following a search in Rathkeale. “People are concerned and extra vigilant at the moment,” said PJ Mason of the Broadford Action Group. “Not just about the dog thefts but about robberies and burglaries more generally.” Mr Mason said that older people are particularly concerned. “I was speaking recently to a senior gentleman,” he outlined, “who is fearful for his dog and I would be saddened to think that people are now living with this fear factor.” The matter has been raised by South-East Clare-based TD, Deputy Cathal Crowe who said drones are believed to be in use by gangs targeting properties. The Fianna Fáil member has called for tougher penalties for offenders and the creation …

CLARE IFA chairman, Willie Hanrahan, is encouraging farm families to attend the organisations executive meeting tonight (November 14) in Treacy’s West County Hotel at 8.30pm. The meeting will address concerns regarding rural crime in Clare.  Guest speakers will include Barry Carey, IFA Rural Crime Prevention Officer, William Shortall IFA Health and Safety Officer and Garda Sergeant Triona O’Rourke, Rural Crime Prevention Officer. Recently addressing the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice and Equality, IFA Deputy President Richard Kennedy called for the establishment of a dedicated Rural Crime Task Force. He highlighted how a similar UK task force has been successful in tackling rural crime. “Over the last year, several serious incidents have occurred on farms. Many farmers and rural dwellers live in real fear for their safety, which is compounded by geographic and service isolation. Theft of valuables from rural homes and of livestock and machinery from farms is also a major concern.” The IFA Deputy President said there is a …

The financial costs of agricultural crime is an unacceptable burden and one that cannot be written off as part and parcel of life in rural Ireland. That is the blunt observation of ICSA president Patrick Keny, who was speaking following the publication of the second tranche of ICSA’s Agricultural Crime Survey undertaken with Waterford Institute of Technology. The focus of this tranche is the Financial Costs of Agricultural Crime in Ireland. “We now have proof that agricultural crime is hitting farmers’ pockets at a time when most are struggling to make ends meet at all. Theft, vandalism and fly-tipping all have serious cost implications for farmers, as do increased insurance premiums when farmers have to make a claim. The report is hugely important as determining the costs of agricultural crime provides the justification for spending scarce resources on tackling the issue,” he said. The results of the survey indicate for the first time the true costs of agricultural crime to …

In the wake of a wave of rural crime, older farmers in Clare have been asked to consider applying to their local community group for a personal alarm under the Seniors Alert Scheme. ICSA rural development chairman, Billy Gray said, “Subsidised monitored personal alarms are available to all those aged 65 or over who meet the criteria of the scheme and have a landline telephone. “Community groups have been issued with grants to cover the costs of purchasing and installing the alarms, and the recipient only has to pay the yearly monitoring fee.” “These alarms provide great security for older people or older couples living alone, as the alarm is monitored twenty-four hours a day and if you have any concern for your own safety, whether it’s an intruder or an accident, all you have to do is press the button and there’s someone at the end of the line to help.” Those who want more information  can contact the …