Mr. Seamus Sherlock:

Yes, unfortunately. If farmers lose a small item, such as a chainsaw, for example, they would not bother the Garda. They are also worried about insurance and think what they get back today in one hand would be taken from them tenfold over the next few years with insurance hikes. Insurance is a serious problem in rural Ireland and people wonder if they will be able to afford insurance if they make a claim. If a tractor or machine is stolen, the farmer must make a claim. Even in our report we have details of how people are willing to take a hit of up to €1,800 before making a claim because their premium could double. Under-reporting is a big problem. Many people think gardaí are overstretched as it is, but we are adamant that every crime should be reported. Gardaí cannot solve a crime if they do not realise it has happened. Every crime reported helps build on cases for gardaí. I am adamant in every media opportunity that every crime should be reported.