Pictured is the pump stolen from Woodtown, Co Meath
A Meath councillor is raising concerns of what he described as “some kind of serial water pump robber” across north Meath, following a spate of thefts in recent weeks.
Councillor Paddy Meade said that six historic pumps have been stolen from rural areas located in close proximity of each other within the last two months.
The most recent theft was of the pump near Lough Bracken in Drumconrath, Co Meath overnight, between April 28-29.
The incident follows a pump in Bigstown being stolen overnight between April 22-23 and the pump at Howthstown which was taken the following evening.
The pump in the Woodtown area was also stolen in recent weeks along with the pump at Rathbran Beg and Birdhill.
Cllr Meade said the incidents have been reported to An Garda Síochána and that locals have been on high alert for suspicious vehicles.
“These are substantial cast iron structures and part of our local heritage, this is not random theft,” he said.
“For a lot of people around here it’s the water pump their grandfather used. It’s cultural and a meeting spot, with more significance than the person who buys it will ever put on it.”
The councillor has contacted Meath County Council about the issue which he says is escalating.
He has called for the installation of CCTV in the area to deter further thefts and for a surveillance camera to be installed in areas where pumps remain.
“Meath has the lowest garda numbers in the country, and while gardaí are doing their best, they need the public’s help,” Cllr Meade said.
“If you saw anything suspicious, vehicles in rural areas at off hours, any information at all please contact gardaí immediately. We need investigation, CCTV and protection of remaining pumps.”