Motorists 'making it easy' for thieves.
More than €30m worth of items have been stolen from parked vehicles in Ireland over the last four years according to figures released this morning.
The figures come from a Garda Analysis Service which revealed that 46,582 vehicles were broken into since January 2016. In 8,157 of these cases, the vehicle was reported to have been unlocked.
In response to the numbers, gardaí have today launched the Park Smart awareness campaign to encourage motorists to make life more difficult for criminals.
According to gardaí, the most common items reported stolen from cars are tools, cash, sunglasses, electronics and jewellery.
Of the 46,582 vehicles broken into, 12,343 were targeted while outside a home. Of these, 3,833 are reported to have been unlocked which is almost one in three.
Crime Prevention Officer Sgt James O’Donovan said: "What is happening now is criminals will go around areas like housing estates and streets where lots of cars are parked up and they will try every car door because they know we are leaving some of them unlocked. Let’s not make it easy for these criminals, make sure to lock you vehicle every time.
"Wherever you park your vehicle, we would always advise you to take your property with you and ensure the vehicle is locked, alarmed and parked in a secure, well-lit location. Try not to leave any valuables in the car whatsoever."
The analysis also specifies that the most common location for these thefts are in driveways, and that most common times are between 12 midnight and 6am.
Gardaí are appealing for all vehicle owners to ensure they lock their vehicle, no matter where it is parked and to not store valuables inside. If motorists must store valuables inside, gardaí urge them to keep them out of sight.
Sgt O’Donovan said: "Sometimes it’s impractical to remove tools and equipment from vehicles. In these cases, owners should take extra steps to ensure the safety of their property. Additional locking mechanisms to vehicles should be fitted. Consider a monitored vehicle alarm and tracking devices for valuable property. Try marking and photographing your property and take a record of serial numbers, makes and models.
“You can download a property register booklet on garda.ie. This can not only deter a criminal from taking your property, but it means if we recover the stolen items we can get them back to you.”
Gardaí also stress the importance of keeping any vehicle keys in a safe location away from the hall table or near a door or window where they can be easily taken.