Eleven pedigree rams were reported stolen near Cootehill, Co. Cavan between Thursday and Friday morning (May 28 and 29), according to gardai.

A garda spokesperson told Agriland that the rams were “all pedigrees” and, broken down by breed, were "six Charollais, four Texal, and one Lleyn".

The theft took place in the Tullyvin area and the investigation is ongoing.

Rural crime

Separately, in a recent garda podcast, An Garda Síochána's rural crime lead Supt. Michael Corbett offered crime prevention advice to those living in rural Ireland.

Supt. Corbett mentioned the importance of  “vigilant and connected communities”.  

He added that “the likes of the community alerts, neighbourhood watch groups, Business Watch, Hospital Watch” are able to “disseminate information very quickly”.

He said: “Coming from a rural background myself, you know, we all know what our neighbours are driving.

"And, you know, if you notice something that's out of place or you see a vehicle parked in a lane or a bore in that you're just, your gut feeling is that, you know, there's something not right here.

He added that "if it checks out, that's great".

"If it's somebody, you know, that's there legitimately, that's fine.

"And then if it's somebody involved in a criminal act, well, that's great because it's given us a head start to intercept that people, you know, and see what they're at and what they're doing.”

He added that “criminals will operate under the cover of darkness, speed and opportunity”.

“With the right steps, you can eliminate all three of those using technology and just common sense," Supt. Corbett said.

“Locks and gates, lighting, even a good dog in a yard is a very good deterrent as well for people coming in."