Farm security, safety and firearms on Easter menu for Laois gardaí

Laois gardaí will be on hand to give advice to Laois farmers over Easter on farm security, safety and firearms.

The Laois Offaly Garda Division says Gardaí stationed at Abbeyleix Garda Station will be present at Ballinakill Mart on Easter Saturday, April 4 to meet members of the farming community.

To reduce the risk of criminals striking farms Gardaí say members will be available to provide advice and information on the following:

• Farm Security
• Farm Safety
• Firearms Licensing

"Come along for a chat and pick up useful information on keeping your farm and community safe. All are welcome," said a statement from Laois Gardaí.

Ballinakill Mart is located on the Kilkenny Road, Ballinakill, Co Laois. The Eircode is R32X857.

Gardaí will be there from 10 am.

The Laois Offaly Garda Division was also out and about meeting farmers and people living in rural areas on March 7 at The Heath where they joined Muintir na Tire in a property marking day at The Heath GAA Grounds.

Garda advice on Theft of Farm Machinery:

Gardaí say machinery thefts increase in Spring and Autumn, which may be related to peak farming activity.

They say thefts can occur at all hours and days of the week.

READ NEXT: Gardaí apprehend four drivers allegedly under the influence on Laois roads

Garda advice on access to your property:

Restrict access to your yard. Install gates and fix them to a sturdy concrete or metal post. Keep the locked. Consider appropriate signage such as “private property”.

Theft of Farm Machinery:
Trailers are the most commonly stolen item of farm machinery.

Vehicles:
Lock vehicles. Remove keys from all vehicles and equipment and store in a secure location.

Boundaries:
Fencing, hedges and walls should be robust, well maintained and checked regularly for breaches. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Laois Offaly Gardaí / Muintir na Tire property branding event at The Heath in March.

Alarm/CCTV:
Consider installing an alarm in vulnerable areas. An Alarm will emit an audible warning and CCTV will provide surveillance on places out of view of the farmhouse.

Lighting:
Illuminate areas which are overlooked from the dwelling or covered by CCTV.

READ NEXT: Man allegedly ‘stalked’ Laois bank customers and stole €13,475 in cash

Outbuildings and property:
Store your tools and smaller machinery items in a building with enhanced security features close to the farmhouse.
Photograph machinery and tools. To get an idea of scale have someone stand beside larger items such as quads, trailers. Use a ruler for smaller items.
Make and keep a register your property, e.g. Make, model, serial number, colour, any unique, unusual features on equipment. keep a detailed record of make, serial number and colour. Consider using the Garda Property App. https://www.garda.ie/en/angardasiochanaapp/

Mark the property with a uniquely identifiable brand in both obvious and secret locations.
For firearms storage use a secure firearms cabinet, secured to a solid wall.
Consider joining a Community Alert scheme or starting your own.

Farmers are asked to report suspicious activity to local Gardaí immediately. For further information on farmyard security visit our Crime Prevention page under www.garda.ie