Rescue base break-in leaves team vulnerable

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Alan claims the theft of the torches has now left both the public and rescuers in danger: “Even for our training sessions, most of our call outs are in heavy mist or at night. It leaves us vulnerable as well,” he said.

“Having fundraised extensively throughout 2017 with the help of a very generous populace of Sligo and Leitrim we are now faced with a huge and urgent bill as well as having to add more security features to our base. The old maxim of no honour among thieves is an understatement here,” he said.

“These individuals have put our lives and the lives of potential casualties at significant risk. We are working closely with An Garda Síochána and will be monitoring the second hand market for our equipment.”

A spokesperson for Mountain Rescue Ireland, Ruth Cunniffe said: “Teams are largely self-funding for operational matters.

“Taken in tandem with the break ins to cars and theft of equipment from the Galway Mountain Rescue Team on March 21st this is a seriously worrying trend which will impact us,” she said.