Spate of tyre thefts is damaging to the farming economy

According to the farmer, who does not wish to be named, there has been an increase in the theft of tyres and he, personally, had two large silage clamps stripped of every tyre on the night of September 28, a task he claims would only have been possible with a trailer, a vehicle and a team of people.

He said: “Farming is such a vital part of the rural community and the perpetrators of such acts (which can damage the vital airtight covers) should consider the economic damage this can have on a farmer for whom to lose their animals winter food supply has welfare issues and could bankrupt the farm if replacement feed must be bought in.

“Despite sightings of a tractor with a dumper trailer being involed in such acts no persons have yet been identified as responsible for a string of attacks area.

“I hope that your paper can get the message out to the farming community to be on high alert and to the people involved in such activity that they are causing great stress, concern and potential damage to a families livelihood. In many cases a farmer if approached in a friendly manner may provide material for people to burn if this is the reason for the thefts.

“Theft is still a crime even if it is just a farmers old tyres.”

Police locally say the offence is somewhat unusual and can only speculate as to why this sort of thing is taking place.

“Perhaps it’s for a bonfire,” was on view put forward by a senior officer in Ballymoney this week.

Note - Since the article was sent in it is understood that the tyres have been returned but the farmer is still urging the general community to be on the alert for such thefts and to report them to the police immediately.