Flanagan urges Gardaí to tackle spate of cattle rustling

Fine Gael Chairman and Laois/Offaly TD, Charlie Flanagan, has today (Wednesday) called on the Gardaí to set up a dedicated unit to combat the increase in the practice of cattle rustling. Deputy Flanagan was speaking following a recent spate of incidents in the Midland counties.

“I have taken up the matter directly with the Garda Commissioner and I have asked him to consider setting up a dedicated unit to combat the practice of cattle rustling. Many farmers around the country are fearful that their livestock will be stolen in the middle of the night. These raids are well planned and well executed and it is important that there is a Garda presence in rural areas to prevent further thefts.

“Farmers have been left at a significant financial loss following these thefts and, whilst this has predominantly been an issue along the border counties, the practice has been spreading throughout the rest of the country in recent times.

“While it is important that farmers remain vigilant, especially in isolated areas, it would somewhat relieve the pressure that they are facing if they knew a dedicated Garda unit was in place. The benefit of such a unit would be two fold – the Gardaí could gather intelligence on these criminal gangs, whilst also monitoring rural areas with a greater emphasis on night time patrols.

“The introduction of a new Garda fleet next year could allow for extra Garda resources to be deployed to these areas and I have impressed upon the Garda Commissioner the importance of ensuring a strong and visible Garda presence in our rural areas.”

ENDS