Limerick town residents urged to be vigilant after overnight car break-ins

Crime Prevention Officer Michelle O'Halloran urged the public to take extra precautions after a series of incidents in Askeaton, Limerick, during the night of March 14 into the early hours of March 15.

In one incident, car keys were stolen from a home at Deel Manor, and a 2017 black Mazda 6 was taken. Sergeant O'Halloran detailed that the vehicle was later recovered, and that it is believed the car keys may have been accessed through the letterbox.

On the same night, several vehicles in the area were also entered. In one case, a purse was stolen and later recovered nearby. In another instance coins were taken, while a third vehicle was searched but had nothing stolen from it.

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Sergeant Michelle O’Halloran said the incidents are a reminder of the importance of basic home security measures.

“It’s really important to continue to repeat this advice and highlight it,” she said.

She urged residents to make sure all doors and windows are locked, warning that “we are seeing incidents where access is gained to homes through unlocked doors or windows.”

She also advised people to keep keys away from doors and windows, particularly letterboxes.

“While on letterboxes it is a good idea to consider using a letterbox guard or cage,” she said.

Sergeant O’Halloran added that homeowners should also “look at installing an alarm” and make sure it is set if one is already in place.

“Also consider CCTV, including a doorbell camera,” she said.

Gardaí are reminding residents that simple steps such as locking doors and windows, securing keys, and installing visible deterrents can help reduce the risk of opportunistic thefts.

-Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme