An Garda Síochána has urged farmers and rural dwellers to ramp up efforts to secure and lock their trailers after a series of trailer thefts in Co. Galway recently.

Clifden Gardaí have recently taken the report of a number of trailer thefts, local officers said in a statement.

Gardaí are urging trailer owners to consider a number of crime prevention measures.

Regarding the marking of property, Gardaí advise that overt marking can be applied with spray paint and stencil, or a more permanent marking can be done with welder or grinder.

Overt marking can be applied with Forensic DNA kits or etching underneath the trailer in areas which become mud splattered and remain hidden.

For more information, those interested can contact their local Garda crime prevention officer.

Trailers have also been stolen in counties Meath, Wicklow and Offaly in recent weeks.