Gardaí launch campaign against farm machinery theft
Gardaí are encouraging farmers to register their equipment to deter criminals from theft.
Theft Stop, a new initiative from An Garda Síochána and the Irish Farmers Association, asks farmers to mark every piece of equipment with a unique ID and register it on a new national database.
Stolen equipment would then be listed on a website viewable by potential buyers.
The programme, which was launched to coincide with the National Ploughing Championships in Co Laois, was tested in a pilot scheme in Co Tipperary. A nationwide roll-out is now planned next year with the PSNI in the North.
Gardaí said €1.7m worth of farm equipment was stolen in the last year – down 8% from the year before. Trailers were among the most common items stolen.
However, Gardaí say none of the marked items in the Tipperary pilot scheme were stolen.
"Any steps that act as a crime deterrent and make farms more secure are to be welcomed," said Eddie Downey, IFA President. "I would encourage our members to take advantage of this joint initiative with An Garda Síochána".
