Gardaí are appealing to motorists to ‘Park Smart’ following 35 thefts from vehicles in West Cork on Sunday 3rd February 2019.
The incidents occurred in housing estates in Clonakilty, Belgooly and Riverstick, where most of the vehicles were unlocked. Last year our ‘Park Smart’ appeal showed that since 2015, approximately €340,000 worth of property is stolen from vehicles each year. Property normally stolen includes cash, laptops, tools, sunglasses, jewellery and sports equipment. The figures also showed that one-third of all vehicles broken into in residential areas were unlocked.
Speaking at Bandon Garda Station today, Superintendent Brendan Fogarty said ‘I would ask that wherever you park your vehicle, that you always take your property with you and ensure the vehicle is locked, alarmed and parked in a secure, well-lit location. Over the weekend in Cork City we also had a number of theft from cars in Ballincollig, Douglas, and Togher. But this is not just an issue for us in Cork. Criminals throughout the country are going around housing estates and trying every car door until they get one that is unlocked. Unfortunately in Clonakilty, Belgooly and Riverstick, this was the case and on Sunday night we had 35 incidents.’
Superintendent Fogarty added ‘I would ask that if anyone noticed any suspicious people or vehicles around Clonakilty, Belgooly or Riverstick on Sunday night into Monday morning, to contact us at any Garda Station. Any cars or taxis who were driving in those areas with dash cams we would also like to hear from you.