Cattle thefts to date in 2017 are down 52% on the same period last year, figures from the Department of Agriculture show.

Some 35 cattle thefts have been reported to the Department so far this year, down on the 74 reported by the end of August last year. This decrease is mainly down to the fact that 40 cattle were reported stolen in Monaghan last year.

Limerick has the highest number of thefts to date in 2017, with nine cattle reported stolen. It is followed by Galway with seven, Clare with five and Meath with four.

These figures show a move away from the border counties, where thefts would normally be higher compared with counties along the western seaboard and further south.

While the gardaí did not have a breakdown of cattle theft figures, they advise that anyone who is the victim of cattle theft should contact their local garda station.

Farmers are advised to check stock regularly and if you are leaving the farm for a long period of time, ask a trusted person you know in the locality to keep an eye on stock.

Full coverage: rural crime

Cattle rustling down 52% on 2016

The latest figures show a move away from the border counties, where thefts would normally be higher compared to counties along the western seaboard and further south.