Plain answers to the most common questions about property marking, our call-out service, community events, and how the Eircode-to-Gardaí link works. If your question isn’t here, call James on 087 132 2497 for the fastest reply, ring the office on 052 617 9801 (Mon–Thu), or email james@propertymarking.ie.
What is property marking?
Property marking is a way of permanently linking your tools, machinery and equipment back to you. We use an industrial dot-peen machine to etch your Eircode into the metal, plastic, wood or leather — like a tattoo for your property. The mark cannot be sanded off, painted over or removed. Property theft costs Ireland an estimated €1.4 billion every year, with around 66,000 burglaries and related offences. Marking makes your possessions less attractive to thieves and dramatically easier for Gardaí to return if recovered.
What can be marked?
Tools, trailers, quad bikes, chainsaws, machinery, generators, compressors, drills, e-bikes, garden equipment, vans, ride-on mowers, fishing rods — anything made of plastic, metal, wood, leather or carbon. Jewellery and glass cannot be marked.
How many markings do you put on each item?
An Garda Síochána recommends 2–3 markings per item. One is overt — “Security Marked and Traceable” — clearly visible to a thief, acting as a deterrent. One or two more are covert, with your Eircode placed in a harder-to-find spot. That way, even if a thief sands off the visible mark, the hidden mark still proves the item is yours.
How much does it cost?
Farms: €60 call-out fee, €15 per marking up to 20 markings, €10 per marking after that. Add €55 for a 2ft × 2ft Garda-branded warning sign. The cost can be claimed as a farm expense.
Construction and trade: €20–€30 per item, with a call-out fee on top. No monthly charges.
Are community events free?
Yes. Community-organised events run by your local Gardaí, Community Alert, Neighbourhood Watch or Community Safety Partnerships are open to participants at no charge to the individual. Bring your Eircode and your items along on the day.
How does the Eircode connect to Gardaí?
Once marked, your items are linked through An Garda Síochána’s PULSE system. If something is stolen and recovered, the Eircode brings it straight back to you. Only 4% of stolen property is ever recovered without marking.
Does the mark damage my equipment?
No. The dot-peen technology is a series of small dots etched into the surface — used industrially on engine parts, firearms and tools. It does not weaken the metal and is discreet enough not to affect resale value of legitimate items.
Can I sell something that’s been marked?
Yes. A generic “XXXXX” marking can be applied over the original Eircode to obscure it, and the new owner can then mark the item with their own Eircode. The history of marking stays with the item, which is itself a credibility signal at resale.
What if I move house?
Your Eircode is tied to your home address. If you move, you’ll have a new Eircode at your new property — and you can re-mark your items with the new code beside the old one (the old mark stays on for traceability). We can do this on the same call-out for existing customers.
How long does a call-out take?
Depends on the number of items. A small farm (10–20 items) takes about an hour. A site with 50+ tools takes half a day. The team will quote a time slot when they confirm your booking.
Who is Property Marking Ireland?
We are a not-for-profit social enterprise founded in 2018, operating in partnership with An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice. We have permanently marked over 1,000,000 items across 24 of Ireland’s 26 counties to date.
Is PMI officially recognised by the government?
Yes. Property Marking Ireland is named in the Rural Safety Plan 2025–2027, published by the Department of Justice, as the owner of two property crime prevention actions: engagement with Local Community Safety Partnerships, and the development of a property marking service for larger organisations. We are the only non-government organisation named in the plan for property crime, and the first body in over 40 years given permission to use the Garda logo on signage and labels.
Do I need planning permission for the signs?
No. The Department of Transport confirmed in 1986 that no planning permission is required for Property Marking signage. This was communicated to all Local Authorities at the time and still stands. For community road signs (BEWARE), the location is agreed between Community Gardaí and your community group on a map, then sent to the Local Authority’s roads engineer — whose insurance indemnifies the location and erection of the signs into the future.
How do I book?
Call James on 087 132 2497 for the fastest reply, ring the office on 052 617 9801 (Mon–Thu), or email james@propertymarking.ie. We’ll be in touch within 2 working days to confirm a date and quote.
Still have a question?
Call James on 087 132 2497 (fastest reply) · Office 052 617 9801 (Mon–Thu) · james@propertymarking.ie
Backed by An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice. 1,000,000+ items permanently marked across Ireland.