Gardaí have launched an investigation after a jeep, trailer, utility terrain vehicle (UTV), power tools and animal doses were stolen from a farm in Co. Longford overnight.
The theft is understood to have taken place in the farm yard at Clonterm sometime between yesterday evening (Friday, November 1) and this morning (Saturday, November 2).
Among the items taken were a silver Toyota Land Cruiser jeep with a 04 D registration plate, a yellow Chieftain double axel plant trailer and a Honda UTV.
A large amount of power tools including an angle grinder, chainsaw and a con-saw, along with cattle and horse doses were also stolen.
The thieves then drained the diesel tank on the yard before making their escape.
A member of the farm family told Agriland that they have been left shocked, devastated and annoyed by the theft of the items which are worth thousands of euro and took years of hard work to accumulate.
“You never imagine that this is going to come to your yard. It is a horrible feeling,” they said.
They added that the incident was also an “invasion of privacy” given that the yard, which had been secured, is located beside the farm house.
Longford
Sergeant Damien Bartley, crime prevention officer for Longford Roscommon, told Agriland that the incident has caused concern in the local community.
He said that local businesses in the area have provided CCTV footage to investigating officers in a bid to track down those responsible.
Footage from a CCTV camera located close to the farm appears to show the stolen jeep and trailer passing around 2:45a.m this morning.
Sergeant Bartley urged anyone who may have witnessed suspicious behaviour in the area or who may be offered the stolen items for sale to come forward.
Any person with information about the theft is asked to contact Longford Garda Station on 043 335 0570, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.