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The position is the first of this kind in Ireland.
Colin Connolly, a former member of An Garda Síochána, with over 11 years’ experience in crime investigation and crime prevention techniques, will work closely with the gardaí on the development of a range of crime prevention initiatives, including the national rollout of Theft Stop.
Kildare native Connolly will help do this through the IFA’s network of 946 branches and with the wider rural community.
Theft Stop
Theft Stop is described by the IFA as a practical, simple and cost-effective theft prevention initiative. Following a successful pilot in Tipperary and Donegal, the initiative is being rolled out nationwide on a county-by-county basis.
It is designed to deter criminals and to recover stolen items by ensuring machinery is clearly marked with a unique ID and that details are registered on Theft Stop’s nationwide database.
The recent increase in the theft of agricultural equipment is of huge concern to the IFA, according to its president Eddie Downey. “The loss of equipment or livestock can be financially devastating for farmers, who like all rural dwellers are very vulnerable. It is for this reason that IFA has partnered with An Garda Síochána to develop the Theft Stop crime prevention initiative. I would encourage all country dwellers and farmers, in particular, to become part of the initiative by registering today,” he said.
Assistant Commissioner of An Garda Síochána, Jack Nolan, said: “Theft Stop is another excellent example of effective crime prevention in partnership. Working in tandem with established prevention methods, it will be an invaluable resource in the fight against rural crime.”
The IFA announcement came after Monday’s launch of anti-burglary operation Thor by the gardaí.
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