Westmeath Public Participation Network (WPPN ) has launched a property marking machine project with the aim of preventing crime within the county.
In a statement issued by the organisation this week, WPPN stated that property carrying a permanent identification marking is less likely to be targeted by thieves.
‘In County Westmeath, theft, particularly of equipment and machinery from community groups, clubs and individuals has been one of the commonest offences reported to the Gardai. However even when Gardai find stolen property they often cannot return it to its owner as they cannot identify the owner. If property is permanently marked with a unique identifier e.g. Eircode, it is less likely to be stolen, and easier to return to its owner if it is stolen.
‘In order to support its 820 plus community and voluntary group members in Westmeath, WPPN purchased a Crime Prevention Property Marking Machine. This machine engraves a permanent identifier (usually Eircode ) onto any surface except glass. It can be used on everything from sports equipment, computers, tools and bicycles to farm machinery. Following an expression of interest process 18 volunteers from WPPN member groups, along with Community Gardai were trained to operate the machine across Westmeath.
‘These trained volunteers use the Property Marking System to engrave/mark equipment (sports equipment, power tools, machinery etc ) for groups, clubs and individuals in their area. There are a number of pre-programmed settings in the machine, set up to adjust the depth and size of the stamp (engraved identifier ) to take account of the type of material you are marking. For example: metal, wood, plastic and carbon.’
“This a FREE service to WPPN Community Groups and is operated by trained volunteers. The machine is NOT for profit and is a free crime prevention service to WPPN member groups,” Brigid Geoghegan WPPN Resource Worker, stated.
