IFA Calling for Garda Rural Crime Unit

IFA Deputy President Alice Doyle has called on members of the agricultural community to take immediate action to protect their property, machinery, tools and equipment.  

A recent spike in the theft of equipment from farms sparked this urgent announcement from the IFA Deputy President. A man pleaded guilty following the theft of €100K worth of farm equipment. This guilty plea shed light on the recent surge in theft relating to the agricultural sector.  

Speaking about this guilty plea and the need for better policing in this area Alice Doyle said: 

“This is a great result for An Garda Síochana. We’re asking Gardai to work with other agencies to see if these stolen items can be prevented from leaving the State for Eastern Europe and beyond and returned to their owners.”  

“It is very important that this cycle of theft of specialised equipment is stopped. IFA is calling for the establishment of a dedicated Garda Rural Safety Unit to tackle what has become an international business for organised crime gangs.”  

The Deputy President blamed the Ukrainian – Russian conflict and the Russian embargo on a rise in a criminal market for the supply of agricultural supplies. This had led to the increase in theft in Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.  

Alice Doyle concluded by calling for the need for Ireland to follow in the footsteps of Northern Ireland, Scotland and other areas in the UK where specialised rural crime teams focus solely on the prevention of these types of crimes.  

“They liaise with other agencies and police forces in a co-ordinated approach, sharing intelligence and best practices. Ireland needs the same. The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris should establish such a unit immediately.”