Gardai are planning to deploy air patrols to prevent criminal gangs from targeting Christmas tree farms, according to reports.

Independent.ie reports that the operations, titled 'Operation Hurdle' will begin now and continue through December at remote Christmas tree farms in County Wicklow.

Each year, fir tree growers in Wicklow are targeted by criminal gangs, prompting gardai to set up Operation Hurdle in 2012.

Gardai have been assisting the farmers for the past seven years to deter and prevent gangs from stealing trees from their farms, which are often in very isolated areas in the mountains.

This year, gardai have confirmed there will be air patrols in the area with a view to totally eliminating the theft of Christmas trees.


Wicklow Garda District Supt Declan McCarthy said: "To combat the criminal behaviour, gardaí in Wicklow will be conducting high-visibility checkpoints and patrols (particularly at night), and these checkpoints and patrols will be supported in the air by the Garda Air Support Unit and on the ground by local detective units and regional armed support units.

"At checkpoints, gardai will be checking documentation with vehicles, and if trees are purchased legitimately, the driver of the truck or van should have a receipt which is recently dated.

"The Garda Air Support will monitor these areas when they are operational at night and they can also provide support if required for operations, for example, searches using infrared or 'night sun' equipment, and provide air cover or patrols when checkpoints are taking place in remote areas."