IFA LAUNCHES WINTER SECURITY CAMPAIGN
THE IFA is urging Wicklow farmers and those living in rural communities to be proactive when it comes to home and farm security this winter.
The organisation, which is chaired in Wicklow by Johnstown farmer Chris Hill, has launched a new Winter Security campaign in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, offering practical advice to address the crime concerns of farm families, as well as tips on how to improve security and protect property.
IFA president Joe Healy said that taking precautions in relation to farm security will give rural dwellers and those who farm for a living better peace of mind.
‘This time of year, with limited light, it is particularly important to ensure your farm and home are as secure as they can be. Being proactive about your farm security will help to guard your farm and possessions, act as a deterrent to criminals, and give you extra peace of mind.’
Assistant Garda Commissioner Pat Leahy said said that the force is fully supportive of initiatives that prevent, deter and reduce farm related crime.
Mr Healy outlined that the IFA has made a submission to the Policing Authority calling for more garda resources in rural areas.
‘Community-based gardaí are the most effective tool in policing a country like Ireland. The continued recruitment of new garda members, and their allocation in rural areas, or the reallocation of experienced gardaí to rural areas, will go a long way to restoring a sense of security to rural dwellers and build trust and confidence and sense of security in the community,’ he said.
He added that the level of repeat offences and the number of people who commit offences while on bail is a concern while farmers are also concerned about trespass, which has been prevalent in recent months.
‘We need measures to address these issues including greater sentences and stricter outcomes for crimes against persons and property. These trespass incidents are very intimidating for farm families, who fear the intentions of trespassers as well as the damage they can cause to fencing, livestock and land. We have met with An Garda Siochana to discuss the issue and the need for stronger legislation on trespass, as well as greater enforcement of existing legislation,’ he said.
The Winter Security Campaign has compiled the following crime prevention tips for farmers and rural dwellers: Where possible, restrict access to your property by using gates, barriers, posts or fences; Ensure that hedges, boundary walls and fences are properly maintained; Make sure all areas of approach to gates, outbuildings and domestic dwellings are adequately provided for with motion detection lighting systems; A monitored alarm system will be of huge benefit in deterring crime; Deploying a CCTV system for the farm and home will act a great deterrent and provide real time information of activities; Secure all tools and equipment in a lock up with an alarm, CCTV and lighting; Cash, jewellery and all personal items should also be placed in a secure or sealed (safe) area; Report any suspicious activity or any trespass to gardaí, even if such events pass without incident.
Small sale for first sale of 2018.
Cattle: Store Bullocks 400Kgs - €420 to €585 over €/kg; 300Kgs €380 to €525 over €/kg. Store Heifers 300Kgs - €300 to €430 over €/kg. Beef Cows - €370 to €470 over €/kg. Feeding Cows - €140 to €350 over €/kg.