A Monaghan Cllr has outlined his concerns in relation to people stealing the copper of wire used in telecommunications cable in the South Monaghan area.
According to Cllr Noel Keelan, during one incident, up to 12 kilometers of copper wire was taken.
He added that incidents like this are having a "big impact" on people and has resulted in households losing their landline connection, broadband and security alarms.
In reaction to Cllr Keelan's concerns, Super Intendant Ronan Carey said that Gardai highlighted the work of 'Operation Moselle' which was introduced back in 2021/22 as a response to the rise in stolen wires, particularly in rural areas such as mid Louth and Co Monaghan.
According to Supt Carey, a "detailed forensic approach" was taken which resulted in nearly a total drop in such crimes.
He added that incidents like this are nearly at zero compared to earlier years, to which Cllr Keelan "welcomed" the work achieved by the operation in a bid to completely eliminate crimes like this from happening again.
