Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2015
254. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if additional measures will be implemented and if additional resources will be provided to An Garda Síochána due to the escalating problems for rural communities with the increased theft of cattle and farm machinery, particularly in the Border region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27455/15]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that the deployment of Garda resources and the implementation of policing strategies are matters for the Garda Commissioner. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review taking into account crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that An Garda Síochána, in collaboration with the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), recognise the need to help farmers prevent theft of their livestock and farm equipment. To that end a farm Theft Stop initiative has been developed and trialed in two counties – Donegal and Tipperary. Theft Stop is a free farm theft prevention initiative that will provide participating members with a unique code to mark farm equipment and subsequently record this marked equipment on www.theftstop.ie. Marking property acts as an effective crime deterrent and will help to reduce farm related theft. Theft Stop members will, if desired, be able to purchase a stencil kit and/or metal punching set for application of their specific code.
The database will be kept and maintained by the IFA and will allow Theft Stop members to view an online directory of stolen farm machinery. This will also assist the Garda in investigation, recovery and identification processes.
I understand that feedback from the trial is very positive and it is planned that the initiative will be rolled out nationally on a phased basis over the coming year starting with Laois, Offaly, Kilkenny, Carlow and Limerick.
In support of this, the IFA has recruited a Rural Crime Prevention and Safety Executive, who will work in conjunction with Garda Crime Prevention Officers.
I am further informed that to combat Metal Theft, which also affects the rural community, An Garda Síochána established a Metal Theft Forum to promote a multifaceted approach to preventing theft of metals and bring key stakeholders together. The participating stakeholders include the IFA (Irish Farmers Association).
This collaborative approach has assisted in the development of knowledge and assisted intelligence gathering. It has resulted in raising awareness of Metal Theft through briefings of operational Gardaí by key stakeholders and the National Crime Prevention Unit. It has facilitated the development external awareness raising measures through the use of the Garda Website, Crimecall and other media outlets.
In addition An Garda Síochána launched the Garda Metal Theft Crime Prevention and Reduction Plan in February 2013, which is available on the Garda website - www.garda.ie.
