Gardaí are investigating a stolen Toyota Hilux jeep from Kingscourt, Co. Cavan that was taken yesterday (Thursday, February 27) some time between 11:30a.m and 2:45p.m.

Farmer Emmet Rogers from Bailieborough, Co. Cavan had been buying cattle at Kingscourt Mart at the time, and parked the jeep and trailer where he thought was a secure location at the Carrickleck Road, beside Saint Ernan’s Church.

"It's not easy parking with a trailer so I'd always be looking for a good spot to make sure it's safe. I thought I got a spot and had the keys with me," Rogers said.

After buying cattle and leaving the mart, Rogers found the jeep to be stolen and the trailer left unhooked.

Rogers said that the jeep was reported as sighted near Woodtown, Co. Meath that afternoon, overpassing a tractor on the road to Slane.

He contacted gardaí immediately and an investigation is ongoing. In the meantime, the farmer has been searching around counties Cavan and Meath for parked up jeeps, but said "it's like looking for a needle in a haystack"

Photos of the Toyota Hilux jeep can be seen below with a registration plate number of 241-CN-41.

Rogers had bought the jeep new last January for €65,000 and described it as "immaculate".

"I just washed it the day before, and there wasn't a hairline mark on it. Normally a farmer's jeep would be covered in all kinds of muck and it would be many of times but this time it was just spotless," he said.

Anyone with any information or dash cam footage has been asked to contact Kingscourt Garda Station on 042 9667292 or Emmet Rogers on 086 3335035.