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Garda Investigation Underway Following Spate Of Car Thefts In Clare

Gardaí are investigating a spate of car thefts in the Ennis and Cratloe areas.

A white Toyota Aqua was stolen from the multi-storey car-park at Dunnes Stores in Ennis last Thursday evening, sometime between 3.50 and 5.30pm, while a blue Toyota Aqua was taken from the carpark at Ennis Primary Care Health Centre on Station Road on the same day.

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In the second incident, the vehicle left the scene and it’s believed that it was driven in the direction of Limerick.

Meanwhile, in Cratloe, a blue Mazda Demio was taken from the Brickhill East area around 4.30pm on Sunday and Gardaí believe a number of males were involved in the theft and may have travelled there from the Sixmilebridge area, in a silver vehicle.

Clare’s Crime Prevention Officer is appealing to anyone with information on these thefts to contact their local Garda station.

Sergeant Catriona Holohan is advising car owners to take a few simple steps to help prevent theft.

“Since 1998, immobilisers have been installed in all new vehicles for sale in the EU. Immobilisers work by restricting an essential component part of the engine unless the correct key is used to try and start the vehicle. They are very effective in reducing vehicle theft.

“If you have a vehicle without an immobiliser, you should consider having one retro fitted. Many immobilisers now work in conjunction with an alarm. Therefore, if an attempt is made to steal your vehicle it should not start and the alarm should sound.

“Various other security devices are also available that you can consider installing to protect your vehicle:

“Steering wheel locks work by simply locking onto the steering wheel preventing the steering wheel from being turned. They also act as a visual deterrent as most are yellow in colour and are clearly visible from outside the vehicle.

“External wheel lock or clamps can also be fitted onto the wheel of the vehicle along with handbrake locks, gear stick locks and pedal locks which often have an additional alarm function.

“All these items act as a deterrent and can make your vehicle less attractive to a thief,” Sergeant Holohan concluded.

General vehicle safety advice:

· Buyers should check the security features of their vehicles and make decisions relating to augmenting security
· A visible steering wheel lock or chain should be considered
· Lock doors and fully close windows. Don’t be tempted to leave the windows slightly open.
· Fit an alarm
· Fit an Immobiliser or use a physical lock
· Install a tracker
· Park under streetlights or in a secure carpark
· Park where there is CCTV, when possible

Anyone with information on these or any incidents can contact their local Garda station or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

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