Gardaí warn offenders will be targeted after 'serious criminal offence' in Kilkenny
A lifebuoy was removed from its station on the River Nore in Kilkenny City
A member of An Garda Síochana was left with no option other than to enter the River Nore on Wednesday morning.
The on-patrol officer stepped into the water to recover a lifebuoy removed from its station.
In response, An Garda Síochana issued a warning via social media.
“A stolen lifebuoy is a stolen life,” the post began.
“When a lifebuoy is removed from its station it removes the only immediate lifeline available if someone falls into nearby water.
“Stealing or tampering with emergency water safety equipment is treated as a serious criminal offence, carrying charges of theft and criminal damage aggravated by the endangerment of human lives,” the post concluded.
Previously speaking to Kilkenny Live, local Fianna Fáil councillor, Joe Malone appealed to offenders to 'cop on', describing the removal of the life-saving device as 'petty and ridiculous'.
“I can't say who’s doing it, I don’t know but it’s just petty and ridiculous,” he added, stating, “money is money but at the end of the day, a life is more important than money so just leave them alone.”