An Garda Síochána and The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) have joined forces to launch a campaign to prevent theft in the construction industry.

The 'Secure It, Keep It' campaign was announced today, 19 June, in Kinsale.

Chief Superintendent Con Cadogan said: "The main objective of the 'Secure It Keep It' campaign is to create and maintain awareness both within the industry and with the general public as to the importance of site security, and the security of plant machinery, construction equipment, tools and materials. We are appealing to everyone involved to go to the Garda website and take the 'Construction Site Checklist Challenge'. In particular, I would appeal for everyone to mark their tools and equipment in some way. Recently, Gardaí seized power tools from a car boot sale in the West Cork Division that had been stolen in Dublin. Thankfully the tools had the owners name engraved on them and they have since been returned. An Garda Síochána is very active in monitoring online marketplaces as well as car boot sales etc for the sale of stolen goods."

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The checklist outlines the following:

• Set up CCTV if you are going to be on site for a prolonged period.

• Good security lighting.

• Fences or hoardings are effective and should be used whenever possible.

• Keep the number of gates to site entrance to a minimum.

• Localised temporary security alarms should be used.

• Control access to the site. Visitors must sign in and vehicle registration

   numbers given.

• Cash should not be kept on site when possible.

• Machinery should be left in a well-lit part of the site with the keys removed.

• Security locks and ground fixings are great for extra security.

• Keep a record of engine numbers chassis number, vehicle ID numbers etc.

• Store your tools in a secure area.

• Mark all of your tools with a unique identification number, photograph them and keep a record of it. 

• Report all thefts and suspicious activity on sites to An Garda Síochána.

Tom Parlon, Head of the CIF urged people to follow the An Garda Síochána Construction Site Checklist.

"It's vital that if you do have equipment stolen, report it to An Garda Síochána," he said. "The Gardaí have had some major successes in reclaiming stolen tools so it is important to mark all tools. Finally, we're advising companies to take extra care in securing sites particularly at weekends. We are sending out the message to the 130,000 workers in the industry that if you secure it, you keep it. Working with An Garda Síochána and by taking a few steps we can protect our livelihoods and prevent this sort of crime."

(CM)