Clare’s Crime Prevention Officer is warning that stolen licence plates can be used in the commission of serious crimes such as shoplifting, burglaries and fuel “drive-offs”.
It follows the theft of registration plates from an Audi A3 car parked on Station Road in Ennistymon between 4 and 4.30 in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Sergeant Catriona Holohan, who’s based at the Crime Prevention Office at Ennis Garda Station, is urging car owners to be alert over the coming weeks.
Sergeant Holohan is asking anyone who notices suspicious activity around cars in their community to report it to Gardaí.
“We know that criminals often use stolen registration number plates. They put them on cars that match the colour, make and model of a vehicle that they have stolen, or plan to steal.
“Why do they do this? It helps them move around without being noticed. If Gardaí are called to check the vehicle, it can appear to be genuine and not linked to any crime.
“These stolen plates are regularly used in petrol/diesel ‘drive offs’, shoplifting and burglaries, and as getaway cars in more serious crimes where identifying the vehicle is very important.
“With this in mind, we are asking everyone to be extra alert over the coming weeks. If you own a grey Audi A3, please be cautious if you notice anyone hanging around your car. In addition, if you see a grey Audi A3 in your area that you do not recognise, let An Garda Síochána know straight away.
“Please also remind your neighbours to keep an eye out for any vehicles acting suspiciously in your area,” Sergeant Holohan concluded.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone with information to contact Ennistymon Garda Station on 065 707 2180 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
