Stripped wire remains found dumped in Drumconrath bog

Senator Robbie Gallagher has called for a new campaign to alert people of the ongoing theft of valuable metals and particularly the copper in telephone wires. Senator Gallagher was speaking after the remaining carcass of stripped wires was found dumped in Clonbarton, Drumconrath bog in North Meath.

He says it is possible that thieves targeting areas in Monaghan and Meath brought the stolen wires to this area in order to strip out the valuable copper wire.

"Theft of phone wires has serious consequences for local communities," says Senator Gallagher.

"Apart from the environmental damage done, communications are also severely affected and unavailable for emergency or other calls. Such is the level of damage that these incidents may take days to repair.

“There have been a number of recent incidents in Monaghan where the phone system was affected. These incidents are a great inconvenience to local communities. It is possible that the wire is stolen and taken to quiet areas where the metal can be removed. The thieves then simply dump the carcass of the wire, which the council must then dispose of,” said Senator Gallagher.

“I’m calling for a renewed awareness campaign around this issue to tackle the serious issue of metal theft. The Garda Síochána Crimestoppers and ESB Networks have previously called on members of the public to be vigilant for suspicious activity and come forward with any information they may have on metal theft and people engaged in this illegal activity. This campaign needs to be renewed.”

This issue affects a large number of businesses and communities and exposes the public to real and actual danger. It includes the theft of electricity cables, copper wires, beer kegs, electrical goods, road signs, and even goal posts. The electricity network, public transport and telecommunications networks have all been victims of metal theft, with criminals removing large amounts of electrical cable, signal cable and copper wire.

“Members of the public as well as the farming community with overhead power lines or telephone wires crossing their land should report any suspicious activity to the Gardai.

"Any person involved in the purchase and or resale of metal products is encouraged to ask appropriate questions and report unusual sources of metal as they may inadvertently facilitate criminal activity and commit an offence of handling stolen property, if you purchase metal that has been stolen,”

Anyone with information in relation to metal theft, can contact Crimestoppers on 1800 250025. A call to Crimestoppers is free and callers can provide information anonymously.