IFA President Eddie Downey and Garda Commissioner Noirín O’Sullivan have launched a new farm theft prevention initiative – “Theft Stop” – at the Ploughing Championships in Co Laois.
Eddie Downey, Noirín Hegarty, and Jer Bergin at the Launch of “Theft Stop”
The service provides farmers with a unique security ID, linked to their IFA membership number, to mark machines and equipment.
The initiative, which has been developed in partnership with An Garda Siochana and supported by FBD, allows Theft Stop to communicate with members in the event of farm machinery theft. A comprehensive database will also be maintained of all stolen equipment for members to view.
IFA President Eddie Downey said, “The increase in the theft of agricultural equipment is of concern to IFA. It is estimated that theft from farms has increased by 40% in recent years. For this reason, we have partnered with An Garda Siochana to develop the Theft Stop crime prevention initiative. I would encourage you to become part of this initiative by registering today. Stencilling your equipment will act as a crime deterrent and in turn make your farm more secure”.
(Source – Irish Farmers Journal – Maura Fay – 23/09/2014)