Gardaí in Donegal have appealed for information regarding a suspect who is believed to have stolen a quad from a farm shed.

According to gardaí, a red 2016 Honda TRX500 was taken from a farm shed in Lossett around the Churchill area in Letterkenny during the early hours of Tuesday, April 28 at approximately 5:00a.m.

Officers stated that the male suspect entered the building and pushed the quad down the lane towards the road (R251). 

The suspect was described to have worn a black and grey hooded top with grey or beige bottoms and black trainers.

He also reportedly wore a baseball cap and had his face covered with a black scarf during the burglary.

Following the theft, gardaí are now calling for anyone who may have travelled in that area with a dash-cam between 4:00a.m. and 6:00a.m. to bring that footage to police.

Garda Grainne Doherty, who is based in Donegal, said: "If anyone observed any suspicious activity, vehicles (particularly vans or jeeps with or without trailers), or people in that area on that date, we ask them to call gardaí in Milford on 074- 9153060. 

"Should anyone come across a similar type of quad for sale on a second-hand basis, we ask them to make gardaí aware so the matter can be checked out," she added.

Advice

In light of the recent thefts, gardaí in Donegal have also advised quad owners on some security measures that can be taken to help prevent potential thefts:

Keep quads out of sight from the road as thieves will often survey properties looking for vehicles;
Ensure gates to yards remain 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;
A bespoke quad drive-on security device, which clamps around the wheel and is secured to a concrete floor, is recommended, however locks and ground anchors with a high attack rating can used as other options;
The use of a tracking system can notify the owner if the quad is being interfered with or moved, allowing for a prompt response to either prevent the theft or to 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;
If the outbuilding or shed is remote with no main power, consider using a battery-operated GSM mobile alert system and camera, which can alert you to suspicious activity;
Marking vehicles is an effective, visible deterrent to thieves and an established method of reducing theft;
Never leave keys in the ignition, even if the quad bike is being left unattended for a brief time;
Insurance is highly recommended for theft and damage.

This recent theft in Donegal follows a series of quad bike thefts in Co. Roscommon, with gardaí confirming that they are investigating these cases as well.