The Gardaí and the IFA have launched a new pilot initiative aimed at clamping down on the growing trend of machinery thefts from farms.

The campaign, which was launched last week, is being rolled out in Tipperary initially. However, there are plans to roll it out nationwide in the coming months.

IFA general secretary Pat Smith and assistant commissioner of An Garda Síochána Jack Nolan launched the campaign.

As part of the initiative, farmers are being encouraged to put a unique code on all their machinery and farm equipment as a deterrent to potential thieves.

Farmers are encouraged to contact their local Garda station for further details.