One in five thefts are tools from sheds

One in five thefts in counties Cavan and Monaghan are as a result of tools and other equipment being stolen from sheds.

The detail has emerged as gardaí point to a time of year when traditionally the number of such thefts tends to rise.
'In 2016, in counties Cavan and Monaghan, we saw a surge in the theft of gardening and farming equipment, in particular chain saws, lawnmowers, strimmers, leaf blowers, power washers etc. In many instances these items were taken from sheds and garages. Some were locked and some were not. Some were also lifted from work sites which were temporarily unattended. Unattended vans were also targeted,' crime prevention officer with Cavan-Monaghan Garda division, Noel Harraghy told The Anglo-Celt.
While the number of incidents is significantly down on last year, to date in 2017, already there have been a total of 55 in January and February, with 20 occurring to date in March alone. Of those, in the region of 20 per cent of the thefts occurred following break-in at sheds or out-buildings.
Gda Harraghy made the comments while asking the public to be aware that tools, gardening equipment and light farming implements are targeted by criminals. He stated that unmarked property is more easily disposed of and called on property owners to make an inventory of what they own, record serial numbers, ID and photograph them, or register their property.
'Do not leave anything unattended in public view. Consider extending your alarm system to garage or shed. CCTV should also be utilised where possible. If a stolen item is recovered by the Gardaí you must be able to positively identify it before it can be returned to you. This is why property marking and photographs are important. Please mind your stuff,' said Gda Harraghy.