IFA Crime Prevention Executive Colin Connolly is urging horse owners to make use of the IFA’s theft prevention initiative, TheftStop to protect their horse tack and equipment.

TheftStop allows horse owners to protect their tack and equipment by marking it with a unique Theft Stop ID and registering details on the online Theft Stop database.

TheftStop not only deters theft, but can aid in the return of stolen items to owners in the event of a recovery.

Colin Connolly advises that as well as photos of equipment and horseboxes, users should register details including the brand, materials, manufacturer, colour, etc. on the Theft Stop.

How does Theft Stop work?

Once registered on Theftstop.ie users will be able to mark their equipment with a unique identification number which is linked to the theftstop.ie database. The clearly visible ID number will act as a deterrent to criminals. Users should photograph their marked equipment and upload to theftstop.ie. A further impediment for criminals is that the details and ID numbers of stolen equipment can be viewed by would-be buyers online at theftstop.ie.

Users can purchase a stencil kit with their own unique identification code pre-cut, where by members can easily apply their code on their equipment in a neat and consistent manner. The stencil kit also includes a Theft Stop gate sign to inform all that equipment is protected by Theft Stop.

If a theft does occur, thefts should be reported to An Garda Síochána and they will issue a Pulse number. Once this is received Theft Stop should be advised by the farmer of the theft through theftstop.ie. In the event of a theft, Theft Stop can circulate details of stolen items to its members.

To get more information on Theft Stop, contact info@theftstop.ie or go to www.theftstop.ie.