Limerick sergeant give tips to avoid 'opportunistic crime' targeting motorists

GARDAÍ are investigating a number of car break-ins that have taken place in Limerick city over a short period of time. 

Crime Prevention Officer Michelle O’Halloran said that: “Overnight on Saturday the 14th of February, items were stolen from a vehicle in the Castleconnell area.” 

“Then the following evening, Sunday the 15th of February between 6pm and 10pm, a vehicle parked at Riverside Anglers Walk in Rhebogue was accessed. Expensive footwear and a sum of cash were taken from that vehicle.”

The sergeant continued: “Unfortunately, in both cases the cars were unlocked, which provided an easy opportunity.”

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Describing the theft as an “opportunistic crime”, Ms O’Halloran advised car owners to “always lock your vehicle, remove valuables completely and park in well lit areas.”

In another instance of theft from a vehicle, Ms O’Halloran detailed that a catalytic converter was stolen from a car parked on Grove Island in the early hours of February 11, Wednesday. 

The sergeant said: “The injured party became aware it was stolen when he started the ignition and a loud noise came from the vehicle. Upon inspection [the man] saw that his catalytic converter had been stolen from his vehicle.”

O’Halloran further warned motorists to “Always secure windows and doors properly, and if you see something that doesn’t sit right with you, report it to your local Gardai, it may assist us in our investigations.”

-Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme