Active investigations are underway by gardaí into a number of rural crime “incidents” from Co. Donegal to Co. Limerick, including an attack on hay bales.

Gardaí in Co. Donegal confirmed there had been a report of an incident of criminal damage on a farm in the remote Moville area of Glenagiveny, where it was discovered that a dozen round hay bales had been “slashed and destroyed”.

The incident, which is understood to have taken place on Wednesday, September 25 has been described as “unusual” by a garda inspector at the district office in Letterkenny, who was unaware of any similar instances of that nature occurring in recent times.

It is unclear as to how much damage was incurred in the criminal act and whether the round bales could be salvaged. Gardaí confirmed to Agriland today, (Thursday, October 3) that investigations were still ongoing at this time.

Gardaí

Separately, gardaí are also investigating a theft on a farm in Kilmallock, Co. Limerick, where a pallet of fencing posts worth an estimated €500, was stolen from a remote field.

A member of the gardaí from Bruff Garda Station in Limerick told Agriland that the theft occurred at approximately 5:00p.m on September 19.

The officer said the theft would most likely have taken place on foot, as the particular field from which the pallet was stolen could not be accessed by road.

Meanwhile, gardaí have confirmed to Agriland that investigations are also ongoing into the theft of a trailer from a field in Co. Limerick last week.

It is understood that the trailer was also stolen in the Kilmallock area between Wednesday, September 25, and Thursday, September 26.

A garda spokesperson said that no arrests have yet been made and enquiries are continuing into the incident.

They have appealed to anyone with any information about the stolen trailer or who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area to contact them.