Westmeath PPN purchases property marking machine
The theft of equipment and machinery from community groups, clubs and individuals has been one of the most common offences reported to the Gardai across county Westmeath.
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.
To combat this growing problem, Westmeath Public Participation Network (WPPN) has purchased a Crime Prevention Property Marking Machine in an effort to support its 820-plus community and voluntary groups across the county.
The unique machine engraves a permanent identifier (usually an 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, have been 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, carbon etc.
‘’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" said Brigid Geoghegan WPPN Resource Worker.
The Launch and Demonstration of WPPN Crime Prevention Property Marking machine takes place this Saturday, July 23, at 11am in Grange Community Center, Mullingar.
For more information contact WPPN Email: info@westmeathppn.ie Phone: 044-9332157 Website: www.westmeathppn.ie
Westmeath Public Participation Network (WPPN) is ‘The Voice of the Community’ which is a Representative and Information Network for communities in County Westmeath.