Theft deterrent Property Marker being rolled out in Laois

Laois Participation Network welcomed Community Groups and members of An Garda Siochana to the MDA in Mountmellick for training of the Property Marker. 

The Property Marker is the first of its kind in Laois. The Property Marker is a crime prevention initiative that provides a unique identifier on property that acts as a theft deterrent and assists Gardai in the recovery of stolen property. 

Laois PPN will make the Property Marker available to community groups in towns and villages across Laois over the coming months.  

The training was provided by Property Marking Ireland. 

Laois PPN to acknowledge the support of the LCDC, Laois County Council and the Department of Rural and Community Development. Laois PPN was successful in securing funding for the Property Marker through the Community Support Fund 2022 under the Community Enhancement Programme 2022.

Dan Bergin, Laois PPN Co-Ordinator said: “Laois PPN were delighted to see members from various groups in attendance at the training. This crime prevention initiative will support Community Groups throughout our County.  The Property Marker will be made available free of charge to Community Groups in towns and villages across Laois over the coming months.”

Laois Offaly Garda Chief Superintendent Anthony Lonergan backed the project when it was launched at the start of November.

“An Garda Síochána supports property marking as a very valuable crime prevention initiative. Every day we recover property and make every effort to find their rightful owner.

"Property marking acts as a deterrent to the criminal to steal the item in the first place. If property is stolen, Property Marking increases the chances of the items being recovered, returned to its owner and speeds up the process of prosecuting those involved. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Community Groups and gardai at the MDA in Mountmellick for training of the Property Marker. Photos: Denis Byrne

"We would encourage the use of the Garda Property app, which is available to download on the Apple and Google Play Stores. The App allows you to make a digital inventory of valuable property around the home or business," he said.

Laois PPN consists of 650+ Member Groups from the Community, Social Inclusion and Environmental Pillars. All groups registered with Laois PPN are given the opportunity to attend Laois PPN events. Any group wishing to join Laois PPN can do so by completing the application on the Laois PPN website www.laoisppn.ie