Rural crime is a far bigger issue than official garda statistics would suggest, ICSA president Paddy Kent said this week following publication of its survey of farmers.

“We now know that two-thirds of Irish farming families have been affected by crime relating to their farming enterprise,” he said.

“Farmers have little confidence in how An Garda Siochana and the judicial system are tackling the issue. ICSA has provided proof that agricultural crime is hitting farmers’ pockets at a time when most are struggling to make ends meet.”

Failure to address issues

Tipperary contractor Robert O’Shea, who has campaigned for tougher action on rural crime, claimed this week that rural crime levels are rising again.

“This generally happens as the evenings draw in, but not usually this early,” he said, referring to the recent burglary in Co Offaly.

“There has been a complete failure to address significant reform of the justice system.”

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Half of crimes against farmers not reported