Garda appeal after batteries taken from local bog machinery

Valuable batteries have been taken from machinery on two local bogs.

A dozen large batteries valued at close to €2,000 were stolen from tractors and turf machines at two different south Roscommon bogs last week.

The first incident happened between 5pm last Tuesday (May 24) and around 9am the following morning, at a Bord na Mona bog at Cornaveagh, Oldtown, Athlone, where seven batteries were taken from machinery left on the site.That batch of batteries were worth close to €1,000, according to Gardai.

Another five batteries valued at close to €700 were then swiped from machinery at Culliagh Beg, Ballinasloe in Roscommon between the end of the working day on Wednesday last (May 25) and 9am or so the following morning.  

It’s thought the items were only discovered missing at both bogs, which are located in quite isolated areas, when Bord Na Mona employees tried to start up the machinery and were unable to do so.

Gardai said all of the batteries are clearly marked and identifable as Bord na Mona property -  anyone who comes across them - or is offered similar items like this for sale is urged to contact local officers immediately.

In addition, they are appealing to the local community or anyone living in the general vicinity of either of these bogland areas, who noticed unusual vans or large vehicles which would have been needed to transport the batteries which are heavy and bulky in nature, to call Gardai in confidence.

Anyone who assist either investigation is asked to contact Clonark Garda Station 090 6437102 or Roscommon Garda Station 090 6638300.