Gardaí are investigating a number of burglaries on farm properties in mid Waterford, east Tipperary, and south Kilkenny.

According to An Garda Síochána, the incidents occurred during night hours over the last few days. A number of sheds have been broken into and a variety of items have been stolen.

As a number of properties in the same areas have been targeted, gardaí are urging farmers to be extra vigilant and report any suspicious callers or vehicles immediately.

Farmers should check that CCTV systems and alarms are operational and are advised to remember to lock up valuable machines and property.

Gardaí have tips for property owners to secure their valuable and assets to prevent opportunistic burglaries.

Whether at home or going out, turn on some lights, use timer switches;
Lock all doors and windows, almost one in four summer time burglaries involve entry through an unsecured access point;
Use your house alarm;
Store keys safely; away from windows and letterboxes;
Record details of valuables and don’t keep large cash amounts at home.

If your home is going to be vacant at any point:

Ask a trusted neighbour or family member to conduct frequent checks of the property at different times of the day to note any signs of trespassing or interference;
Ensure the house alarm is set;
Check all doors and windows are secure (use deadbolt locks if property is to be vacant for long periods);
Install timers on internal lights and motion detectors on external lights to make the house appear occupied and offer natural surveillance of the property;
Ensure that the building doesn't look neglected. Cut the grass, trim hedges etc.;
Ask a neighbour to collect post or if you are going to be away for longer periods arrange a ‘mail minder’ service with An Post to retain post for collection and place a ‘No Junk Mail’ sign on letter-box;
Inform the local garda station about the premises being vacant to afford passing attention on patrols.

Don’t help the burglar; safely store away ladders, tools etc.;
Use quality locks on garden sheds, chain valuable property, tools, bikes, etc. within;
Property mark and photograph valuable possessions;
Tidy up gardens and shrubbery, this improves visibility and creates the illusion of an occupied home;
Consider defensive planting, e.g., thorny plants around the perimeter, for extra security.

Gardaí added that a barrier of prickly hedge along a boundary or underneath a window will help deter thieves.

Hedges and shrubs in the front garden should be kept to a height of no more than 3ft in order to avoid giving a burglar a screen behind which he can remain concealed.