The Wicklow Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) has acquired a new property marking machine that will be made available for community use as part of ongoing efforts to deter theft and improve property security across the county.

The machine enables valuable items to be marked with a unique identification code, making them less attractive to thieves and helping An Garda Síochána identify and return recovered stolen property to its rightful owners.

Representatives from An Garda Síochána, the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), Greystones Tidy Towns, Bray and Tinahely Men’s Sheds, Bray Dargle Hall Residents’ Association and LCSP members attended a training session on the use of the machine, provided by James O’Neill of Property Marking Ireland who supplied the equipment, at the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Centre in Laragh on Saturday, 18th July. 

This initiative highlights the value of partnership and collaboration in strengthening community safety and crime prevention.

Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council Emer O’Gorman commented, "This initiative demonstrates the value of partnership in delivering practical solutions that help keep our communities safe. Wicklow County Council is proud to support the Local Community Safety Partnership in providing resources that will benefit residents, businesses and rural communities across the county."

Welcoming the initiative, Cllr. Tom Fortune, Chair of Wicklow Local Community Safety Partnership Chair said, “This machine will provide residents, farmers and businesses with a practical and effective way to protect their property. It is a valuable tool that will support crime prevention efforts while helping to enhance safety and security within our communities.”

Chief Superintendent Derek Hughes reiterated the commitment of An Garda Síochána to supporting LCSP initiatives and noted, “Property marking is a valuable crime prevention tool. It not only acts as a deterrent to potential offenders but also increases the likelihood of stolen property being successfully returned to its rightful owner.”

Members of the public will have an opportunity to learn more about the property marking machine and see demonstrations of how it works at the Wicklow County Council tent during the Tinahely Show on 3rd August. Representatives from the LCSP will be on hand to provide information on the benefits of property marking and how communities can make use of the service.

Wicklow Local Community Safety Partnership looks forward to working closely with An Garda Síochána, the IFA and local community organisations to promote the use of the machine and support ongoing efforts to reduce theft and improve community safety throughout Wicklow.