PICTURES: Laois community unites to tackle property theft

The newly formed Laois Local Community Safety Partnership joined up with Laois PPN recently to combat the rise in property theft. The two groups joined forces to host a property marking training event in Durrow for community groups, LCSP representatives, and Community Garda members at The Harps GAA Club. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

The Property Marker initiative is a proven crime prevention measure that engraves a unique identifier onto valuable property — from power tools to large machinery. The system has been shown to significantly reduce property theft within communities and assists An Garda Síochána in identifying and returning stolen property to its rightful owners.

The training was delivered by James O'Neill of Property Marking Ireland, who provided practical instruction to participants on the correct use of the property marking equipment.

A total of 27 volunteers participated in the training session and are now equipped to use the property marking equipment within their respective communities.

Speaking at the opening of the event, Chairperson of the Laois Local Community Safety Partnership, Liam O Neill, thanked Dan Bergin of Laois PPN for coordinating the initiative and bringing together the volunteers for training.

“Property marking has proven to be a very significant and successful tool in reducing the theft of property,” he said. 

“It is an honour to be present with my LCSP colleagues Sinead Williams and Rachel Poole as we support practical initiatives that make our communities safer.”

Mr. O Neill also outlined the role of the newly established Community Safety Partnership, which has been tasked with developing a comprehensive Community Safety Plan for County Laois over the next three years. 

Drawing on the experience and expertise of its 27 members, the committee has already convened its inaugural meeting, where members formally introduced themselves and agreed upon 12 key priority areas that will be explored and advanced in the months ahead.

Adding to this, Dan Bergin, Laois PPN Co-Ordinator, said: “Laois PPN is delighted to collaborate with the LCSP on this important event. This initiative will support and empower community groups across Laois through a practical and proven crime prevention measure. We wish the LCSP every success as they develop and implement their Community Safety Plan over the coming years. A special thanks to The Harps GAA for hosting and supporting this training event.”

Mr. O Neill noted that the Property Marking Training event marked the first joint initiative undertaken by the LCSP and expressed his delight at the strong turnout and positive engagement from participants.

This collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment between Laois PPN, the Local Community Safety Partnership, and An Garda Síochána to proactively address crime prevention and strengthen community safety across County Laois.