Scheme to protect rural dwellers' valuables in Cork, Kerry, and Limerick from theft 

Muintir na Tíre pilot scheme to use laser technology to etch driving licence numbers onto owners' valuables

Gardaí at checkpoints will be able to scan suspected stolen property using their onboard patrol car systems and the driving licence numbers which have been "lasered onto" valuable items. File picture

"A gamechanger" free pilot scheme is being rolled out in three Munster counties which will allow gardaí to identify stolen property such as mobile phones, laptops and even combine harvesters.

The scheme is the result of a collaboration between Muintir na Tíre and a private security company and uses laser technology to etch owners' driving licence numbers onto their valuables.