The benefit of the Property Marking Scheme proved its worth recently when Gardaí from Monaghan recovered two stolen bicycles during a recent burglary in the town as a direct result of them being marked.
Gardaí in Monaghan were able to reunite two bicycles which were of significant sentimental value to their owners following a burglary in Monaghan town.
The property was recovered a short distance away and reunited with its owners 36 hours after the burglary took place, directly due to the crime prevention steps the owner took by having his Eircode marked on the items.
Enda McKenna from Monaghan town was the victim of a burglary on December 28, 2019 where two bicycles, one a ladies bicycle and the other a modern take on the High Nelly bicycle, were stolen from his property.
However, 18 months prior to this, Mr McKenna had been involved in a property marking event through the local Castle Leslie Horse Riding Club, and had ensured his bicycles were marked with his Eircode.
Speaking about the incident, Mr McKenna said he is extremely grateful that he and the club had linked in with Monaghan County Council’s property marking liaison officer and got the use of a designated property marking machine.
"I was the person for our club who liaised and picked the machine up from the County Council and as a result we coded some things in our own house, including these bicycles, horse boxes and other equipment. These bikes are of sentimental value to us and we are delighted to have them back so quickly after this incident,” Mr McKenna said.
Sergeant Michael Duffy Crime Prevention Officer attached to the Cavan/Monaghan Division said this was a great outcome and shows the benefit of taking steps to protect your property against theft.
"Well done to Mr McKenna for availing of the property marking service and it has definitely paid off in this case.
"It is wonderful to have the support of both Cavan and Monaghan County Councils who maintain the property marking machines and promote this worthwhile crime prevention initiative.
"I would encourage the public to make contact with their local County Council or Crime Prevention Officer to find out more about accessing a Property Marking machine in their locality,” Sgt Duffy said.
Following a Garda investigation a 19 year old man was arrested this week and charged in connection with the burglary.
He appeared before Cavan District Court yesterday, Thursday January 23, 2020.
Further crime prevention advice on property marking is available at https://www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/crime-prevention/
