A spate of sheep thefts from areas of west Wicklow has caused alarm among rural communities in the county. There have been reports of thefts from flocks in Hollywood, Dunlavin, and Shillelagh. Farmers and people living in rural areas have been urged to be on the lookout for suspicious activity, particularly at night time. The current strong trade in sheep means that farmers can face a severe financial hit due to animal thefts, which they may struggle to recoup. Tomas O'Connor, IFA County Chair Kildare/West Wicklow, said he had heard reports of several incidents in the west Wicklow area.