Farmers in Galway are being urged to ensure that they are covered for thefts after incidents of farm machinery, power tools and more being stolen.
Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice said that farmers need to be aware of just what coverage their insurance policy provides.
“It is very important that farmers are completely aware of what their farm insurance covers. While it may cover them for public liability etc, there might not be any cover when it comes to the theft of machinery.”
“There have been a worrying number of reports of farm machinery, particularly trailers, being stolen of late – with power tools and garden machinery also commonly taken.”
The Galway/Mayo branch of the IFA also recently raised that alarm about an increase in thefts from farms in Galway, urging farmers to ensure their equipment is secure.
Michael Fitzmaurice said that thieves seem to be “scouting” areas before acting to carry out audacious thefts.
“On one particular night in the county recently, one jeep was used to steal two trailers.”
Deputy Fitzmaurice said that rural Ireland is being targeted by gangs who can use the motorway to “disappear into the darkness” after hitting a country farm.
“I would encourage anyone with information on any robberies to make contact with the Gardai. As has been the case for generations, farmers and others living in rural Ireland need to look out for one another.
“Putting distinguishable marks on machinery and trailers is recommended, as well as being part of the local community watch groups who often circulate information of suspicious activity in an area.”
