New study finds 55% of farmers have been the victim of theft

Over half of Ireland's farmers have been the victim of theft.

A new study by criminologists at TU Dublin and the IFA, has found 55 per cent of farmers report having been burgled, however 29 per cent didn't report it to Gardai.

Among the reasons given for not reporting were the farmers didn't think it was serious enough, that Gardai wouldn't do anything about it , or that there was insufficient evidence to warrant police action.

60 per cent of the respondents believe Gardai should have a dedicated unit to deal with farm thefts and rural crime.