Thieves are targeting hardware stores and co-ops in 14 counties, using fraudulent cards to buy agricultural materials. Several men have been arrested.

Thieves have targeted hardware stores and co-ops in 14 counties in Ireland since December, stealing agricultural and building supplies. The thefts have occurred in Cork, Clare, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath and Tipperary. Gardaí are investigating multiple reports of agricultural materials being bought with fraudulent cards. Four men are due to appear before a special court sitting in Limerick in connection with the suspected frauds. Clare gardaí have also warned of reports of economic crime.