Potato stealing warning is issued

Now a local MLA, who is also a Past President the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster, has warned farmers to be on their guard.

Ulster Unionist Robin Swann said: “In the current harsh economic climate, no farm product is immune to gangs of thieves. We already have had incidents of cattle and sheep rustling, and now I have received reports that some gangs of thieves are preparing to steal farmers’ potato crops for sale on the black market.

“We do not want a situation developing whereby farmers have to patrol their lands and buildings both day and night to protect their property from thieves.”

He also urged the community to assist both the police and farmers by reporting anything suspicious to the PSNI.

The warning comes following a spate of rustling issues last year.