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IFA President Eddie Downey; Tim Dalton, chairman Crimestoppers and Assistant Garda Commissioner Derek Byrne, at the launch of a joint campaign to combat the levels of livestock theft, where farmers are urged to use a confidential hotline 1800 250025 with any information. Photo: Finbarr O’Rourke

A new campaign was launched last Friday, 20th February by Crimestoppers, the Irish Farmers Association and an Garda Síochána, to combat the problem of livestock theft, a problem that affects many farmers throughout Ireland every year.

The 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.

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.

In 2013, 5 livestock were stolen in Cork, 38 were stolen from Limerick, and in total, around 293 livestock were stolen across Ireland. While 15 livestock have been stolen so far in 2015 in Cork alone. None were recorded as stolen in the county in 2014.

IFA President Eddie Downey said, “The theft of cattle and sheep is a real issue for farmers. Apart from the financial loss, the trauma inflicted on farm families leaves them very vulnerable and stressed. This is something that comes up repeatedly at IFA County Executives around the country. We are taking this initiative with the Gardai and Crimestoppers and putting 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.”

Derek Byrne, Assistant Commissioner, An Garda Síochána said, “Livestock theft is a problem that can be tackled if enough information is provided. I am appealing for 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 1800 250025 number.”

If you have any information in relation to livestock theft, you can contact your local Garda Station or Crimestoppers on 1800 250025. Your call to Crimestoppers is free and anonymous. You also might receive a reward for information, there is a reward fund of €10,000 available for significant information.

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