Mayo farmers to feature in Prime Time investigation into surge in farm theft

Farmers in Mayo are among those featured in a major investigation by Prime Time examining the growing problem of farm theft across Ireland.

The programme, airing tonight (Thursday) at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, includes contributions from farmers in Mayo as well as Meath, Limerick and Sligo, highlighting concerns within rural communities about the rise in livestock and machinery theft.

The in-depth report gathers CCTV footage and evidence of machinery and livestock being stolen from farms nationwide, with some of the stolen property later transported to eastern Europe, while other items are sold at markets around the country.

Farmers featured in the programme say criminals are increasingly targeting rural communities, leaving many facing significant financial losses and concerns about personal safety.

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Jimmy O’Donnell, a farmer from Limerick, described the emotional and economic toll of livestock theft. “If you steal stock, you’re not just stealing an animal. You’re stealing six months, 12 months, two years of work… It’s a huge investment. So, it’s a massive hit for the farmer. It’s soul destroying,” he said.

According to figures from An Garda Síochána, 324 incidents of livestock theft have been recorded over the past four years. There were 70 reported cases in 2024, rising to 91 last year. With meat prices at an all-time high, the increased value of livestock is believed to be a key factor behind the surge in thefts, many of which occur at night.

Retired Garda Detective Pat Shannon told the programme that stronger preventative measures are needed, while Superintendent Michael Corbett, the force’s first rural crime lead, said criminals “rely on speed, darkness and opportunity” — and that technology can help eliminate those advantages.

In response to the threat, farmers are increasingly investing in CCTV systems, GPS trackers and drones to monitor their land and trace stolen animals and machinery. The Prime Time report explores the scale of the issue and what can be done to tackle rural crime.

The full report airs tonight at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, with a digital version available on RTÉ.ie/primetime.