Burglaries in South Kerry

A WATERVILLE couple whose shed was one of several broken into across south Kerry, has warned homeowners to secure their property after they lost several tools in a burglary on Monday night.

The intrusion into their private property has also upset Peter and Rosemary Hill who said they have rarely encountered crime in their rural area.

Peter was at home all day on Sunday and went to bed at around 10pm. When he woke on Monday morning, April 29, he found that they had been targeted by thieves who stole much of their gardening tools. Although of little value and, in fact, quite old, the tools must be still be replaced.

“I saw the shed was in a mess and things had been knocked around,” he said. Amongst the items taken was a spade, fork and a rake.

The couple reported the incident to gardaí and urged their neighbours to check their sheds. Another man too discovered tools had been stolen.

“I am annoyed I have to replace the tools but my wife is stressed about it, she fears they may come back .. It is not a nice thing to happen.”

Peter said that he such incidents like this are rare but rural Ireland is changing. He said the closure of the local garda station in Waterville is also a loss to the community at times like these when gardaí have to travel from Cahersiveen.

The incident at the Hill home is just one of several in Kerry this week, including the theft of tools in a separate incident in Sneem which occurred between April 26 and 27.

In this instance, valuable tools were stolen, gardaí said.

Tools were also taken from a premises in Beaufort. This incident occurred between Thursday April 25 and Saturday, April 27 when a substantial amount of tools were taken.

Meanwhile, a business premises has also been targeted in Farranfore and cash stolen from the property on April 28. This occurred in the early hours of the morning at around 4am.

Gardaí are investigating the incidents. No arrests have been made at this point. If anyone has information on any of the incidents they should contact their local station or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800666111.