Gardaí have confirmed that an investigation is underway following the suspected theft of sheep in the south-east of Galway last weekend.

It is understood that a total of 11 sheep were stolen between the hours of 7:00p.m on Saturday, October 21, and 9:00a.m on Sunday, October 22.

Gardaí confirmed that they attended an incident of theft that occurred in the Ballyboy area of Gort, Co. Galway on the night of Saturday, October 21.

In a statement, a garda spokesperson told Agriland that no arrests have yet been made in the case and investigations are ongoing in the suspected theft of the sheep.

Stolen trailer

Gardaí in Co. Laois have launched an investigation following the theft of a trailer in Co. Laois in recent days.

It is understood that the Blundels 6×4 aluminum trailer was taken from a yard in Tintore, Ballacolla.

The trailer was last seen on by the owner on Thursday, October 20 at 5:30p.m and was noticed missing at 12:30p.m the following day.

Gardaí in Abbeyleix are appealing for anyone with information to contact them or anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area during that timeframe.

Rural crime

Last week (October 16), An Garda Síochána conducted checkpoints along the border counties with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Revenue and the Workplace Relations Commission.

This was done as part of a Joint Agency Task Force (JATF), with the high-visibility operation focused on targeting rural crime. Multiple offences were detected.

The aim of the cross-border task force, according to An Garda Síochána is to disrupt, detect and prevent criminal activity on both sides of the border.

An Garda Síochána stated: “We will continue to work with our partners in this jurisdiction and in Northern Ireland in investigating all types of cross-border crime.”