Gardaí said they are investigating a number of recent thefts of quad bikes across Co. Roscommon.

Roscommon Garda Station is appealing for anyone with information to get in contact.

It has outlined a number of incidents.

Gardaí said that on May 3, a male in his early 50s reported the theft of his quad from his shed at Cloonadra, Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon between 7:00p.m on May 2 and 10:00a.m on May 3, 2026.

The English registered 400cc quad is a black/multicolored Polaris Explorer.

On April 26, a male in his 30s reported the overnight theft of his red Honda 500 quad bike from his farmyard at Carnalasson, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon.

On February 27, a male in his early 60s reported the theft of a red Honda 520 quad overnight from a secure shed beside his home at Ballinderry, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon.

Detective Sergeant Keelan Brennan of Roscommon Garda Station is appealing for anyone with information or that may have seen anything suspicious in the areas mentioned during the periods to get in contact with Roscommon Garda Station or the Garda confidential line.

Appeals for the quads have also been made on social media, Gardaí said.

Protecting quad bikes

Sergeant Damian Bartley, crime prevention officer at Roscommon, said that "protecting quad bikes and ATVs requires a combination of physical security, technology, and vigilance to deter thieves and prevent easy theft".

He said the best security is a "layered approach" with the aim of making your property a less attractive target of theft.

He outlined a number of measures:

Try to keep the vehicles out of sight from nearby roads, as thieves will often survey properties looking for vehicles;
Keep gates to yards closed, as open gates can be an open invitation to thieves. Lock sheds or garage doors at night using a heavy-duty padlock, hasp and staple or chain;
When leaving vehicles overnight, a bespoke quad/ATV drive-on security device, which clamps around the wheel and is secured to a concrete floor, is a great solution;
Use locks and ground anchors with a high attack rating as another option.

Sergeant Bartley also advised that the use of tracking systems can notify the owner if the quad/ATV is being interfered with or moved, allowing for a prompt response to either prevent the theft or detain an offender.

Fitting outside security lights controlled by an automatic time-switch or infra-red beams that react to heat or movement can also help, and if the outbuilding or shed is remote with no mains power, people should consider using a battery-operated GSM mobile alert system and camera which can alert you to anything suspicious.

Marking vehicles is also another effective, visible deterrent to thieves and an established method of reducing theft.

The sergeant also advises to never leave your keys in the ignition, even if you only briefly leave your ATV/quad bike unattended.

Insurance is also highly recommended for theft and damage.