New technology using Eircodes is being rolled out in the coming weeks in an attempt to tackle rural crime. The aim of the programme is to deter theft and enable An Garda Síochána to identify and reunite stolen property with its owner.
New technology using Eircodes is being rolled out in the coming weeks in an attempt to tackle rural crime.
The aim of the programme is to deter theft and enable An Garda Síochána to identify and reunite stolen property with its owner.
A machine has been developed which marks property with a series of tungsten carbide dots linked to the owner's Eircode and are extremely difficult to remove.
Identification
Similar to a QR code, this series of dots can be scanned and the owner identified.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Today show on Thursday morning, Minister of State for Natural Resources, Community Affairs and Digital Development Sean Canney explained that “while this technology won’t eradicate rural crime, it is a step in the right direction.
"A big problem with theft at the minute is that goods can be easily sold on.”
Stolen trailers
Minister Canney also mentioned the idea might aid the gardaí in tackling crime.
“If, for example, a car trailer is reported stolen, authorities can easily check out suspected stolen trailers and any retrieved items can also be easily returned to its rightful owner,” he said.
The minister also urged people to use this technology.
Members of the public interested in having their property engraved with their Eircode can ask their local authorities, community group or text alert group or visit www.propertymarking.ie for more information.
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