19 new security cameras a vital part of the refurbishment and expansion of Barrett Agri
It’s here to stay — which is why 19 new security cameras feature in the refurbishment of a well-known mid-Cork agri-business.
The Barrett family are busy developing a new agricultural store and bulk feed store in Coppeen village.
“We had been planning to install security equipment like this for a while,” says Jim Barrett of Barrett Agri.
“So with the redevelopment we took the opportunity to invest. We employed O’Mahony Security, who are based here locally, to install the cameras. The cameras are located both inside the shop and around the yard outside, and can be viewed on a screen in the office.”
“And with a mobile app, we can view what is happening here in Coppeen or back in our Bantry premises instantly on a mobile phone.”
Big brother, it’s safe to say, has finally come to Coppeen. Jim Barrett feels strongly that if you are in business you need such security.
With a new 10,000 square foot hardware shop already open for business, it’s all hands on deck as the final touches are made to the bulk feed store before the official opening next month. The aim is to provide the local farming community with all they desire with regards to animal feedstuffs and farming implements. But as well as looking after the farming community, the owners and staff will be looking out for the criminal fraternity.
I asked Jim about burglaries that have taken place over the years.
“Well, the first one that comes to mind was when the shop here was burgled back in 1974. On that occasion, some supplies and a small amount of money was taken.
“And again in September of 1975, the shop was broken into during the night, but this time the place was really ransacked, so a decision was made to install a burglar alarm.”
With the Barrett Agri business located on the busy Bantry Line road, it can be an excellent location to make good your escape. The burglar has Cork city to one side and the whole of west Cork to the left.
“Late one evening, about four years ago,” says Jim, “My brother John and I were up behind the mill carrying out a repair job when we came across these guys up the yard hurriedly loading electric motors onto a truck. These were spare motors we had for the feed mill, weighing up to 500kg. They had a truck and were using a Hiab to load our stuff. So they came well prepared.”
The thieves were confronted, the guards were called, and the robbery foiled.
Being vigilant, Jim Barrett believes, is most important when attempting to deal with rural crime. Laws can be tweaked, even Garda numbers can be increased, but at the end of the day, it is really down to us to be vigilant and to keep an eye open for that nasty piece of work who for so many years journeyed to rural Ireland with criminal intent.
The Barrett family have been in business in Coppeen since 1921. It all began a long time before CCTV, apps and mobiles, with James and Etta Barrett, Jim’s grandparents.
In the early days, business centred around a pub, a shop and a feed store. James and Etta would buy produce from local farmers and then sell it to markets in places like Cork’s Coal Quay. The money generated from this venture was then used to purchase goods and provisions, which would be loaded onto their horse drawn cart and taken back home to sell in Coppeen.
The beginnings were humble.
In the 1960s Ned Barrett, Jim’s dad, drove the business on, investing heavily in a new animal feed mill. Following this, a new pub was constructed in 1990.
“Family business is always like that, it’s all about reinvesting back into the business,” Jim explains. In 1993, Coppeen Concrete was formed, with the Barretts erecting a ready-mix plant. A precast business is now also established.
But at the core of all the family’s endeavours is the farmer. “In essence, the core business hasn’t changed since my grandparents time,” Jim tells me, “We still supply local farmers and local businesses, be it with animal feed, tools, concrete and so on.”
