Renewed appeal to farmers for information on livestock theft

A renewed nationwide appeal from Crimestoppers, the Irish Farmers Association and an Garda Síochána is being made to combat the problem of livestock theft.

In recent weeks a number of cattle and sheep have been stolen from Irish farms, the most high profile being the theft of 75 cattle and 25 sheep from a farm between Kilbeggan and Tyrrellspass.

CCTV footage has been tracked down that shows trucks which may have been used to take the livestock from the rented Westmeath farm.

Niall and Christa Dillon, of Kilbeggan, are hopeful that the footage may help in the bid to recover the 75 cattle and 25 sheep stolen from their farm on Wednesday night/Thursday morning of last week in what is believed to be the largest livestock theft ever recorded in the state.

First launched in February of this year, the Crimestoppers 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.

Information can be given anonymously to the Crimestoppers confidential telephone service by calling 1800 25 00 25. Alternatively, information can be provided to your local Garda station.

Theft of both cattle and sheep is an issue that affects all regions of Ireland, causing significant problems for the farmers who fall victim to the criminals. In one incident during 2014, one farmer had 17 of his 18 calves stolen by thieves, causing significant financial loss. Total livestock theft levels in Ireland were 319 in 2013 and 159 in 2014.

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. While valuable information on livestock theft has been received from calls to Crimestoppers, in the light of these recent thefts, we are renewing our appeal”.

IFA President Eddie Downey said the recent thefts of livestock have had a significant impact on the families concerned.
“Thefts like this of cattle and sheep are a real issue for farmers. Farming families are affected by the financial loss as well as the trauma inflicted on farm families. All in all, it leaves them very vulnerable and stressed.”

He continued: “We launched this campaign in February with the Gardai and Crimestoppers and have put 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”.

“We are re-appealing to members of the public, and in particular any member of the farming community, who have noticed or heard about suspicious activity around farms in their locality to come forward to either An Garda Síochána or to the confidential Crimestoppers 1850 250025 number,” Derek Byrne, Assistant Commissioner, An Garda Siochana concluded.

If you have any information in relation to livestock theft, you can contact your local Garda Station or Crimestoppers on 1800 25 00 25. Your call to Crimestoppers is free and anonymous and you might receive a reward for information.