Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 424: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures that are in place to combat the rising theft of saleable scrap metals on farms; and the regulations in place to prevent the sale of stolen metal on the black market. [31246/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána is aware of an increase in the theft of metal. An Garda Síochána is targeting such crime, and burglaries and theft-related crimes generally, through a number of initiatives, including Supporting Safer Communities, which lay particular emphasis on burglary prevention and reduction, and a targeted response to burglary. Divisional Officers have been advised of measures which can be put in place to prevent and reduce such crime.

Such crime can be tackled only by a collaborative effort and a targeted multi-agency response. An Garda Síochána is in contact with stakeholders particularly affected by this type of crime, including the Irish Farmers' Association, the Electricity Supply Board, telecoms, transport companies and brewing concerns and with local authorities and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

An Garda Síochána has undertaken a number of initiatives to raise awareness of metal theft. One such initiative is the development of advice on farm machinery theft prevention as part of the Garda Supporting Safer Communities campaign in June, 2011. This initiative provides advice on securing vulnerable farm equipment and is supported by the Irish Farmers' Association. The advice is available on the Garda website www.garda.ie.

I am informed that a Garda Metal Theft Crime Prevention and Reduction Plan is currently in preparation.