Longford Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following a botched break-in at a Ballymahon Agricultural premises overnight.
Between the hours of 11pm and 3am this morning, Groake Brothers hardware and agri-supplies on the outskirts of the town was broken into.
The businesses lighting and CCTV systems were disabled during the course of the break-in and a large amount of industrial gardening equipment worth several thousand euro were taken.
Investigating Gardaí believe the perpetrators were then disturbed by a passing Gardaí patrol and fled the scene.
According to local Gardaí, the stolen equipment was stashed in the fields surrounding the business for later collection by those involved in the incident.
A large amount of the missing equipment has been recovered by Gardaí following a search of the surrounding area.
The scene is currently being examined by Garda crime scene investigators.
Anyone who may have noticed anything suspicious in the area overnight or who have any information are asked to contact Longford Gardaí on 043 33 50570 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111
