15 cars broken into in Kinsale

Gardaí are continuing to investigate a spate of thefts in Kinsale as they appeal for witnesses to come forward.

At around 4am on Monday, 15 cars were broken into and had items taken while a white Renault van, with the partial registration number of 11- KY, was also stolen.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone who was in the Eltins Wood or Compass Quay area of Kinsale from 3.30-4.30am, particularly road users with video footage, to contact them.

Speaking at Kinsale Garda Station, Sergeant James O’Donovan said: "Last year our Park Smart campaign highlighted that criminals are going through housing estates and trying to open car doors, hoping they get some that are unlocked. Unfortunately, a lot of the cars last night were left unlocked.

“However, it was good to see that most people had no items in their cars at all. Since 2016, €30 million worth of items were stolen from vehicles and outside our homes and in driveways are the most common places for it to happen.”

Sergeant O’Donovan added: “Because everyone is adhering to Government restrictions on staying indoors, our vehicles are going to all be parked up for the next couple of weeks so I would ask that nobody leave anything of value in them, no matter where it is parked, and make sure it is locked at all times.”

Anyone with information about the Kinsale thefts or stolen van should contact Bandon Garda Station on 021-4779250, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111 or any garda station.