Gardaí probe quad bike thefts across County Roscommon

Roscommon gardaí are investigating a series of quad bike thefts reported at several locations across the county in recent weeks.

The most recent incident occurred in Cloonadra, Ballyleague, where a man in his early fifties reported the theft of his quad bike from a shed sometime between 7 p.m. on May 2nd and 10 a.m. on May 3rd. The stolen vehicle is an English registered 400cc black/multicoloured Polaris Explorer.

On April 26th, a man reported the overnight theft of a red Honda 500 quad from his farmyard at Carnalasson, Fourmilehouse. A similar incident was reported on February 27th when a man’s red Honda 520 quad was stolen overnight from a secure shed beside his home in Ballinderry, Fourmilehouse.

Detective Sergeant Keelan Brennan of Roscommon Garda Station is appealing to anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in these areas to contact Roscommon Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line.

Crime Prevention Officer at Roscommon, Sergeant Damian Bartley, advised that protecting quad bikes and ATVs requires a combination of physical security, technology, and vigilance to deter thieves and prevent easy theft. 

Sergeant Bartley said the best security is a layered approach with the aim of making your property a less attractive target of theft:

• Try to keep the vehicles out of sight from nearby roads, as thieves will often survey properties looking for vehicles 

• Keep gates to yards closed, as open gates can be an open invitation to thieves. Lock sheds or garage doors at night using a heavy-duty padlock, hasp and staple or chain 

• When leaving vehicles overnight, a bespoke Quad/ATV drive-on security device, which clamps around the wheel and is secured to a concrete floor is a great solution

 • Use locks and ground anchors with a high attack rating as another option 

• The use of tracking systems can notify the owner the quad/ATV is being interfered with or moved, allowing for a prompt response to either prevent the theft or detain offender • Insurance is highly recommended for theft and damage 

• Fit outside security lights controlled by an automatic time-switch or infra-red beams that react to heat or movement 

• If the outbuilding or shed is remote with no mains power, consider using a battery-operated GSM mobile alert system and camera which can alert you to anything suspicious 

• Marking your vehicle is another highly effective, visible deterrent to thieves and an established method of reducing theft 

• Never leave your keys in the ignition, even if you only briefly leave your ATV/quad bike unattended