Man sentenced for rural burglaries in Laois

Gardaí said a man was sentenced at Portlaoise Circuit Court after pleading guilty to five burglaries and two trespass offences in Laois.

According to Gardaí, the offences occurred across Mountmellick, Ballacolla and Arles during 2024/2025 and involved rural farms being targeted during daylight hours.

The man was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for the crimes. 

“These detections and subsequent convictions are the result of coordinated investigative work by Gardaí in the Laois/Offaly Division, including evidence gathering, scene examinations, follow-up enquiries and file preparation for the DPP,” Gardaí said. 

“An Garda Síochána remains committed to protecting rural communities. We continue to encourage landowners and members of the public to: Report suspicious activity immediately, record vehicle registrations and descriptions where safe to do so, secure sheds, outbuildings and machinery and engage with the local Muintir Na Tire  Community Alert scheme

Gardaí say timely reporting and community cooperation are critical in preventing and detecting rural crime.

Anyone who observes suspicious activity should contact their local Garda Station or call 999/112 in an emergency.