The number of thefts rose to 69,788 in 2017, an increase of 7.7% nationally on 2016, while the number of burglaries reached 19,092 – an increase of 3.3% – according to the most recent statistics from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Farmers are often the target of criminal activity with a large number of quad bikes and farm equipment reported stolen in the dark, winter months.

Although the statistics point to a surge in crime in commuter belts, rural areas have also seen an increase, with thefts in Bruff, Co Limerick, jumping 74% and Newport, Co Tipperary, increasing by 70%.

Counties such as Kerry saw a 42% increase in burglaries, while in the Sligo/Leitrim area burglaries rose by over a quarter.

Traumatised

“Rural areas would appear to be the worst affected,” Fianna Fáil Senator Robbie Gallagher told the Seanad.

“There are people who have been left hurt and traumatised.

“I have raised the issue of inadequate Garda resources in our communities for some time and I think it is an issue that deserves serious attention.”

The statistics, based on figures reported by An Garda Síochána, also show a 23% rise in the number of fraud and deception cases compared with 2016, which add to ongoing fears that crimes may be perpetuated against elderly farmers in isolated, rural areas.

“In relation to 2017, there have been increases in practically all groups. The crime groups showing the largest increases are sexual offences and fraud offences,” a spokesperson for the CSO stated.

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