Gardaí investigate rise in car thefts as burglars target Limerick homeowners

THE RISE of burglaries which offenders followed a similar pattern of breaking and entering into homes in Limerick are being investigated by gardaí. 

Cars and wallets were taken during a string of burglaries in the Monaleen area, which saw a sophisticated lock manoeuvre permit the thief or thieves access to houses. 

“Gardaí in Henry Street are investigating a number of burglaries where the means of entering the house were the same,” said Sergeant Ber Leetch, crime prevention officer at Henry St garda station. 

“The burglar in these cases chose the middle of the night to force the key barrel of the lock out and then snap the barrel using tools.”

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The culprit/s entered the houses through the back or side door in all cases. Gardaí have issued home security advice in the wake of these burglary cases, with Sgt Leetch saying homeowners should “check if the barrel in your lock extends beyond the door”.

“Ideally, the barrel of the lock should be flush with the door. If you have any concerns call out a locksmith to fit anti snap locks,” she said.

“The quality of your doors and locks are the first layer of home security but fitting an alarm and using it is the second.”