Stolen quad bikes and a large variety of power tools have been recovered by An Garda Siochana during a search of a property in the south-east.

This discovery follows a number of burglaries over the last number of weeks in the south Co. Kilkenny area, according to Gardai.

The stolen items were discovered when uniformed Gardai in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny – together with detectives as part of Operation Thor – carried out a search of premises in the south of the county today (Tuesday, November 14).

During the course of the search a substantial amount of property was recovered, including two caravans, a 4X4 vehicle, a trailer, quad bikes and a large variety of power tools.

Investigations are currently ongoing, according to a statement from Gardai.

This afternoon a male in his 20s was arrested in the Kilkenny area in relation to this investigation. He is currently being detained in Thomastown Garda Station under the provisions of Section 4 – Criminal Justice Act 1984.

Farmer assaulted during burglary

Earlier this month, a farmer living alone in Co. Offaly was hospitalised after being assaulted during a burglary of his home in the early hours of the morning (November 4).

At approximately 2:00am, intruders forced their way into the farmer’s home in Glasderry beg, Brosna.

The man, who is in his 50s and lived alone, was then assaulted by the intruders who unlawfully entered his home. Following this the victim was then locked into a shed, while the criminals fled the scene.

The alarm was raised by the farmer a short time later when he managed to escape from the shed, according to Gardai. He suffered minor injuries during the attack.

He spent a number of days in hospital following the attack, which was widely condemned as a cowardly act right across the country. The incident also lead to calls for the government to provide more resources to Gardai in order to efficiently patrol rural Ireland.