Three vehicles stolen in Rathdrinagh during hunt meet

Gardaí are investigating the theft of three vehicles and a horse box parked in the vicinity of McKeevers Pub, Rathdrinagh, where a Meath Hunt meet was taking place yesterday (Monday).

Anne McFarland from Hayestown returned to find her 171 MH wine coloured Kia Sorrento commercial had been taken and explained they unhitched her horse box, which was old, and left it behind.

She is appealing to people look out for the stolen vehicles as they could have been parked up somewhere locally before being moved and explained hers is quite distinctive as it a commercial . Anne had hidden her keys in the area as she was afraid of losing them while out hunting if she fell, and said this is quite common in hunting circles.

Barry Whelehan from Clonmellon returned to find his silver 08 MH Land Rover Discovery had been stolen with a new Ifor William double horse box attached.

“They took the horse boxes off the other two but mine was locked on the jeep. It was probably down to speed and they didn't want to waste any time,” he said.

Barry said he still had his keys and he has no idea how they got into his vehicle.

He said CCTV shows a dark Ssangyong people carrier acting suspiciously and five minutes later it drove off and his Landrover was immediately behind it at 1.18pm. He said that from talking to people he guesses his Landrover has been cut up for parts and the horse box is probably hidden in a shed somewhere.

The third vehicle taken was a red Toyota Hi Lux with a 08 MH registration.

Gardai said it was a busy area with passing traffic just off the N2. The vehicles were parked up around 11am and the thefts were reported shortly after 3pm. Gardai confirmed that CCTV is being examined as part of the investigation.

Anybody who noticed any unusual or suspicious activity  or with any information that could help the investigation is asked to contact Navan Garda Station on (046) 9079930.