Harold Andrews feeding stock on his farm
FARMERS in the east Fermanagh area which, along with the Clogher Valley, have experienced incidences of cattle rustling over the past year are fighting back.
Roslea farmer, Harold Andrews told the Herald that he and a neighbour who share 66 acres of grazing land over two miles from his home, now had a locked chain on a gate leading up to the farm.
He was reacting to police research which showed that, between January 2012 and April 2013 there were a total of 1,037 animals reported stolen in the Clogher Valley area alone. A PSNI spokesman added there were two incidents where police had no details of the number of cattle stolen. And, in that period, there were 169 incidents of burglary, robbery or theft.
Mr Andrews, speaking to the Herald, quoted three cases where cattle had been stolen from farms at Roslea, at Ballagh Cross and near Newtownbutler.
“I am fully aware of it (rustling) because I have signed up to Ringmaster and I’m constantly getting reports of vehicles, machinery and different things stolen.
“As for cattle, even a good dropped calf is worth £300-£350. Thank goodness, I’ve never been done, but I have an outfarm near Dernawilt, about two and half miles from were I live, 66 acres in all. I have the half of it and a neighbour has the other half.
“There’s a gate in the lane leading up to the farm, both of us have keys and we keep a chain and we have it locked. That’s what it’s all about, security.”
He went on: “These people are opportunists, and if they see a handy way to get a few pounds, they will come back.
Mr Andrews reported that one of his neighours who had several cattle stolen last year, from an outfarm, now kept his gates locked.
“The problem is where cattle are on land away from your home, it’s very hard to keep an eye on it. If they’re on land near your own house, there is the possibility you will hear something but, where they’re a distance from home and nobody living near it, these criminals can operate handier.”
With regard to thefts in the Dungannon/south Tyrone area, a PSNI spokesman confirmed that no arrests were made.
However, he stated that a multi-agency group has been established by the PSNI comprising representatives from An Garda Siochana, the Department of Agriculture in the Republic of Ireland, DARD, together with PSNI intelligence managers and officers from other affected areas.
“The group meets regularly to exchange information and plan operational activity to counteract the problem of cattle theft.”
She went on: “The PSNI in Dungannon and South Tyrone have established an excellent working relationship with DARD veterinary enforcement team, and information on cattle theft is exchanged on a regular basis.
“A number of intelligence-led searches have been conducted jointly with DARD Inspectors and PSNI in Dungannon and South Tyrone, and joint vehicle check points have also been conducted.”
He added that DARD Inspectors have also been involved in the training of PSNI officers in livestock matters.
Cattle reported stolen in D’gannon/South Tyrone area between January, 2012 and April this year include – Clogher 11, and Fivemiletown 5.
The figures, for Dungannon/South Tyrone were obtained by Sinn Fein MLA, Bronwyn McGahan under the Freedom of Information Act.
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere