Gardaí are investigating the theft of a trailer from a farmyard in Tydavnet, Co Monaghan, in the latest incident to raise concerns about rural theft.

The two-cow, double-axle trailer is believed to have been removed from the yard at the end of last month, late in the afternoon or in the early evening.

According to An Garda Síochána trailers are one of the most commonly stolen items of farm machinery in the country.

Gardaí have warned that statistics show that in previous years there can be a spike in thefts in rural areas in the Autumn months.

An Garda Síochána has advised that during the darker evenings farm families can take a number of effective precautions to deter potential burglars targeting their farm.

This includes:

Securing access to your yard;
Installing secure gates and attach them to sturdy concrete or metal posts;
Keeping gates locked when not in use;
Consider putting up clear signs such as “Private Property” to discourage unauthorised access.

It is also important, according to An Garda Síochána, to secure all vehicles, tractors and equipment on a farm because these are always attractive targets for thieves.

It has advised farmers to:

Lock all vehicles and machinery when not in use;
Always remove keys from vehicles and equipment;
Store keys in a safe and secure location, away from potential intruders;
Store tools and smaller machinery items in a building with enhanced security features close to the farmhouse.
Make and keep a property register - including make, model and serial numbers and also photograph machinery and tools;
Mark machinery, tools and equipment with a unique identifying brand or marking.

One key aspect that farmers should be very aware of - and not just with the darker nights - is to maintain strong boundaries.

Gardaí have advised farmers and landowners to:

Make sure fencing, hedges and walls are strong and well maintained;
Check boundaries regularly for damage, gaps or signs of interference;
Repair any breaches promptly to prevent easy access to your property.

They have also said farmers could look at how technology can play an important role in protecting their farm.

Gardaí said this could include consider installing an alarm system in vulnerable areas and also CCTV cameras, which can help monitor areas that are out of sight from the farmhouse.

Good lighting

According to Gardaí one of the most important deterrents for rural households and farms is good lighting.

They are advising farm families to consider:

Installing security lighting around vulnerable areas of the farm;
Paying particular attention to areas that cannot be easily seen from the farmhouse or are not covered by CCTV;
Using motion-activated lighting where appropriate.

Firearms

According to gardaí if there are firearms on the premises these should always be stored in in a secure firearms cabinet and this cabinet should be securely fixed to a solid wall.