Clare’s Crime Prevention Officer is urging residents who notice suspicious vehicles in their area to report them to Gardaí.
It comes following a spate of vehicle thefts in the Shannon, Ennis, Ennistymon, Quin and Scariff last week.
The cars taken include a white Audi A1, a silver Citroen C3, a blue Toyota Dyna Pick-up, a black Volkswagon Passat and a white Vauxhall Vivaro.
Sergeant Catriona Holohan, who’s based at the Crime Prevention Office at Ennis Garda Station says is advising anyone with concerns not to engage with the occupants of suspicious cars entering their premises or community.
“Many modern vehicles utilise a keyless entry system. They work by sending a signal between the key and the vehicle. Relay signal theft can occur when the signal of the key is mimicked and used to gain entry to a vehicle.
“In order to prevent the key signal-transmitting while away from the vehicle, the key can be placed in a Faraday bag or box or even a biscuit tin for storage.
“By doing so, these items restrict the radio signal from being emitted from the key and reduce the risk of it being copied”.
How can you prevent your vehicle from being stolen?
· A visible steering wheel lock or chain should be considered.
· Lock doors and fully close windows. Do not be tempted to leave the windows slightly open.
· Fit an alarm.
· Fit an Immobiliser or use a physical lock.
· Install a tracker.
· Use a catalytic convertor lock.
· Park in a secure carpark.
· Park where there is CCTV, when possible.
· Fit theft-resistant number plate fittings.
· Finally, a sensor linked to your house alarm can be fitted to the vehicle and activate when you are at home.
“Remember, if you see anything, anyone or any vehicle in your area acting suspiciously or if a vehicle enters your yard that you don’t recognise and you are concerned, please contact ‘999’ immediately.
“Try to remember the colour, make of the vehicle, and remember that your safety is paramount.
“Do not engage with the occupants, please go into your home and lock the door. If it turns out to be a neighbour or a friend calling, you can ring ‘999’ and cancel the call.
“An Garda Síochána would like the public to call, it is with their assistance that crimes are prevented, property recovered and offenders identified,” Sergeant Holohan concluded.
