The growing issue of rural crime was again raised by Deputy Jim O'Callaghan during parliamentary questions yesterday, Wednesday 12 July. He highlighted the plight of farmers who are continuously the victim of rural crime, involving the stealing of agricultural equipment and other devices on farms.

Minister Flanagan stressed that he was very much aware of the impact rural crime has on farmers. The minister highlighted that significant work has been carried out through Operation Thor, including the additional allocation of €88.5m for garda overtime in 2017. "We have also invested heavily in the Garda fleet, with more than 720 new vehicles coming on stream since the start of 2015", according to the Minister, "and a provision of €46m has been made for new garda vehicles under the capital plan 2016."

Operation Thor

Under Operation Thor, there have been more than 74,000 targeted checkpoints and 52,400 crime prevention patrols across the State. This concentrated policing activity has produced in the region of 4,400 arrests and 4,900 charges covering a range of offences which, in addition to burglary, have included handling stolen property, possession of firearms and drugs offences, according to Minister Flanagan.

While agknowledging that operation Thor had been a success, Deputy O'Callaghan highlighted that "rural crime is costing €2.4m per annum, with an average cost of €4,300 for each farming victim. Large numbers of farmers have had equipment stolen. They know that individuals come in to the community, case the area, spot where equipment is being kept and take it and other items required to run a farm, including diesel."

O'Callaghan also called for further advancements in community text alert systems run throughout the country that would ensure that these systems are not be burdensome on communities.

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