Crime Prevention Message – Rural Crime

Superintendent Michael Corbett, appointed by the Garda Commissioner as the lead in relation to rural crime was in studio to offer advice to Landowners/farmers who are reporting a growing problem of individuals trespassing on private land. Some of these individuals are hunting illegally and / or committing crimes such as Thefts, Burglaries, Criminal Damage and Assault.

Landowners say the issue can pose a threat not only to their property and livestock, but also there can be a risk of intimidation and threats when trespassers are challenged. Some incidents have resulted in some cases of assault- some serious in nature.

The Crimecall team travelled to an undisclosed location in the country where they spoke to one landowner who had experience firsthand of one such incident.

Superintend Corbett was in studio and expanded on the problem, explaining that there is currently a significant issue across the country. Landowners and Farmers are reporting people hunting on their lands without having permission to do so. He agreed with the landowners account and view in terms of the crimes being committed and the potential for situations to escalate, involving threats and assaults.

The Superintendent continued “we are seeing it become more sophisticated and organized with these groups using technology like heat-sensors, and hares being targeted in wild coursing. I am aware that groups are travelling between areas to engage in this type of activity”.

Garda Joint Operations:

An Garda Síochána are working closely with our colleagues in the National Parks and Wildlife Service to tackle this problem, with joint operations taking place in different parts of the country.

By way of reassurance Superintendent Corbett spoke of the significant numbers of prosecutions brought over the last (4) years in relation to trespassing and illegal hunting. He went to great lengths to emphasize the importance of reporting by landowners - encouraging them to report these crimes to An Garda Síochána so that the necessary action can be taken, including offering support to all victims. 

Hunting – Legal versus Illegal:

Superintendent Corbett spoke about how many people across the country engage in hunting and do so legally and within the regulations. However small groups of individuals continue to commit offences under the Wild Life Acts by trespassing and hunting illegally. These individuals do not follow the regulations and do not have the necessary permission to be on a person’s property.

Criminal activity – Thefts/ Burglaries : Superintendent referenced that on occasions trespassers aren’t there to illegally hunt, but might be assessing your property to return later for a potential theft. As a deterrent landowner’s should report all incidents -reports of farm gates, trailers, power tools, mini diggers, fencing equipment, fertiliser, quad bikes, horse equip, electric fencers and animal feed being stolen.

In addition, Rural Crime landowners are having to deal with burglaries, bogus traders/callers, online fraud and scams. A statistic in relation to the theft of tractors indicates that (31%) had the keys left in them. There are a number of simple but effective measures — securing gates, improving lighting, installing CCTV, and using trackers on the more expensive items like tractors and quad bikes and property marking systems are very important.

Garda Advice:

We have dedicated Crime Prevention Officers across the country who can visit farms and lands to provide tailored advice, helping to identify vulnerabilities before criminals do. You can check our website for contact details of your local crime prevention officers and that’s a free service available to the public.

An Garda Síochana’s key message is not to engage directly with any of these trespassers, as personal safety is paramount at all times. Victims are advised to contact Gardaí immediately using the 999 or 112 numbers. We know there is under reporting of these type of offences. Whether it’s theft, trespassing or illegal hunting — please report it, either to your local Garda Station, the numbers above or the Garda Confidential phone line on 1800 666 111.

The information we receive from the public is vital in helping us prevent crime, detect those responsible, and protect rural communities. Our primary focus in An Garda Síochána is keeping our people and communities safe.