The recent theft of a quad bike from a farm on the Darkley Road in Keady is another example of rural crime of which farmers bear the brunt, DUP MLA William Irwin has said.
The theft of the red Honda 500cc, which was fitted with a specialized winch attachment on the front, occurred during the early hours of Monday 18th June 18.
Criticising those responsible, Mr Irwin said: “Rural crime continues to be an issue affecting our rural community and farmers are in many cases bearing the brunt of the criminality as thieves target farm yards. Hopefully those behind this criminality will be apprehended and brought before the courts.
“Rural crime is costly to our agriculture industry and whilst farmers can do all they can to make a farm yard as secure as possible, it is so difficult to fully lock down a working farm. I would urge farmers to ensure valuable machinery is locked and stored out of sight where possible within farm buildings.”
Anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area during the early hours of Monday morning last are asked to contact police with their information.