Increase in theft of specific cars in Limerick
Gardaí have issued a warning to motorists
CAR OWNERS have been issued a warning after gardaí reported an increase in the theft of specific vehicles in Limerick.
Thieves are currently targeting second hand Japanese imports as unlike in the EU, Japanese cars are not required to fit an immobiliser.
An immobiliser is an additional security device on a car that prevents it from starting unless the correct key or key fob is used.
Garda John Finnerty from Henry Street garda station said there has been a noticeable spike in the theft of Mazda Demio models, the Toyota Aqua model and the Toyota Vitz model in recent weeks in the Limerick Division.
"If you are buying a car, ask the car dealer if the car has an immobiliser fitted. If it hasn’t you can get one fitted retrospectively."