Police in the west are investigating an incident of criminal damage to four wooden gates and one metal gate belonging to DEFA.

It has been reported that between 8am on Friday October 30 and 8am Monday November 2, unknown people have driven what we believe to be a 4x4 type vehicle into the Glion Gill DEFA plantation via a gate on Beary Mountain.

This is a remote location accessed by crossing private land at Beary Mountain from the top of Mill Road, just off Greeba Bridge.

A police spokesman said: ’It is believed that persons have driven from the top of Mill Road, Greeba across the area known as ’12 Shares’ and into Glion Plantation.

’Upon driving into the Glion Gill plantation, they have driven right the way through on the forest road, exiting onto the Governors Loch (Green Lane) and then out on to the Brandywell Road.

’In travelling through the plantation the said persons have caused extensive damage to 5 x 12ft field gates which had all been padlocked shut. There were 4 wooden gates and one metal one damaged.

’The damage has almost certainly been caused by a vehicle driving through the gates, forcing them to break. In each case the gates and associated retaining posts have been damaged beyond repair.

’The cost of replacement is not known at this time, but it is expected to run into the thousands of pounds.

’Although this area is remote, it is regularly used by walkers, mountain bikers and to a lesser extent horse riders; so it is hoped that someone might be able to help with identifying who has caused this damage.’

Forestry Bylaws prohibit the use of motorised vehicles within DEFA owned plantations and other land.

Anyone with information in relation to this matter is urged to contact Police headquarters on 631212, Peel Police Station on 842208, or give their information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

The reference number for this incident is 97/5296/20.