A number of anti-theft property marking events will be held by Gardaí in the north-west of the country in the coming days.

An Garda Síochána, in association with Leitrim County Council, has organised a series of events for farmers and rural-dwellers to help avert the theft of machinery and property.

The first property marking event was held last Friday, June 14, at Cornageeha Community Centre, Gortletteragh, where over 40 items of property were marked according to local Gardaí.

Encouraging people to come along, a Garda statement said: “All are welcome to attend. Just bring your property and your Eircode and we will mark your property at the event.”

Speaking at the launch of the ‘Property Marking Ireland’ programme in April, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment Richard Bruton encouraged farmers to mark their property, stating:

“Eircodes are the perfect unique identifier for marking your property, making it much less appealing to thieves.

“This service works with local communities to send a clear message to criminals operating in the area that theft will not be tolerated, and makes it much easier for the Gardaí to return stolen property to the rightful owner.”