The Irish Farmers Journal understands that the low loader was backed into the pier and the group were in the process of trying to steal a boat docked there.

However, the owner of the boat, who lives near the pier and was out walking, spotted the incident happening.

He decided to challenge the group and when he told them it was his boat they were attempting to steal, they left the boat and left the pier.

Local gardaí are aware of the incident and are understood to be looking into it.

CCTV

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, local independent councillor James Charity called for the installation of CCTV cameras at the pier to prevent incidents like this happening in the future.

A Facebook post from Charity also said that the group “claimed they had bought the boat before realising it was the owner they were talking to.

“It also quickly became obvious that drink was involved as cans were thrown in the boat and around the pier. It later also transpired they had been out on the lake with the boat.”

Charity urged locals to continue to keep an eye out in the area and ring emergency services immediately if they see anything of concern.

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Two tractors and low loader used in attempt to steal boat from pier

On Tuesday last, up to nine people with two tractors and a low loader attempted to steal a boat at Annaghdown Pier in Galway, but were foiled by the owner.