Garda warning on fertiliser thieves

GARDAÍ have warned landowners to boost their security following a series of fertiliser thefts in rural areas.

Thieves got away with eight tons of granulated manure - worth more than €3,000 - in a night raid earlier this week on a farmyard in the Crossmolina area of north Mayo.

Machinery would have been needed to load the consignment, according to gardaí in Ballina, who are investigating.

Garda Superintendent Joe Doherty has requested landowners with stocks of unspread manure to be extra vigilant at this time of year as bags of fertiliser are increasingly being targeted by gangs who are well equipped and highly mobile.