Farmers have been urged to double down on safety measures on their farm and be highly aware of who they’re buying from as fuel and fertiliser prices soar.
Speaking at the recent Laois Joint Policing Commission, Cllr PJ Kelly highlighted that burglaries of oil “do take place”.
“Farmers hold a lot of diesel for good reason,” said the Fine Gael councillor based in the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District.
“Farms and homes have been targeted. Green diesel has doubled in price and I’d urge farmers to take extra measures to secure their yards and tanks.”
Cllr John King, based in Rathdowney, and a member of the Borris-Mountmellick District, also cautioned farmers when buying materials, particularly from individuals on the likes of Done Deal.
With the price of fertiliser having rocketed in the past 12 months, as well as uncertainty over supply, farmers may be tempted by what looks like a good price, even if they don’t know of the seller.
Feeling under time pressure, farmers may be prepared to buy from sellers they never would have previously.
“Make sure you don’t pay for anything until it’s in your yard,” said Cllr King.
“And be sure that you get what you’re paying and in the right quantities. You’ve no comeback.”
