Gardai in Co Wicklow have confirmed this afternoon that they are currently issuing air patrols in order to stop a high number of Christmas tree thefts in the area.
The unusual patrol comes as there as Christmas tree farmers have reported a series of thefts on their land. It is understood the vast majority of Ireland’s Christmas tree farms are in the Wicklow area, and the Gardaí say they have brought in some high tech equipment to deal with the issue including hidden cameras and air patrols.
Meanwhile Christmas tree farmers have said although people may laugh at such extreme security patrols, they are not aware that the trees usually sell for between €35-€50 which in turn makes the would be thieves a healthy profit at their expense. The news comes as recent reports suggest the industry is worth €21m to the Irish economy as each year Irish Christmas tree farmers cut down and distribute 550,000 Christmas trees for Ireland and Europe.