Drones are now being used by thieves and burglars to see what farmers and householders have in their yards and gardens, this week’s meeting of the Leitrim Joint Policing Committee heard.
It’s the latest example of modern technology being used by criminals.
And it’s a particular concern in rural areas where farmyards often contain high-value items such as machinery, fuel, vehicles, feed or livestock.
Despite concerns from some Leitrim councillors about rural crime, Garda Superintendent Kevin English told the Joint Policing Committee in Carrick on Shannon that it had dropped by 30% in Leitrim.
Supt. English said the theft of farm machinery was not a major issue in the Leitrim policing district.
He pointed out there were only two incidents in all of last year.
These cases were being investigated in cooperation with the PSNI and the victims were being updated on the progress of the cases.
He also said there is a Victims Office in Carrick on Shannon that people can contact.
Raising the issue of drones, Cllr Warnock wanted to know if someone with a legally held firearm could shoot one down.
But Chief Superintendent Michael Clancy replied he would caution against that.
He said it would be shooting down an aircraft, which a drone is.
And there was also the question of where a drone might land if it was shot down.
But Cllr Warnock says the issue of criminals using this new technology to rob farms and rural properties will have to be raised at the highest levels:
