Brazen teens as young as 13 steal cars across Limerick, Clare, Tipperary and post videos online

A JOYRIDING gang from the city with members as young as 13 are believed to be behind a spate of burglaries and car thefts in villages in Limerick, Tipperary and Clare, the Leader has learned.

It is believed that the gang travel out in a car to pre-ordained locations with four or five teenagers in the vehicle.

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Homes have been broken into with the explicit purpose of stealing car fobs or keys and vehicles taken in Croom, Murroe, Adare Killaloe and Ballina. Brazen youths have even stolen cars from outside a pub while their owners were inside socialising.

One source said: “They each try to steal a car and head back to the city. They travel out late at night or in the early hours of the morning. They will go into an estate and keep trying door handles until they find one open. They will enter the house, try and locate car keys before driving off. They also steal cars parked up as some vehicles are easier to rob than others.

“Depending on the vehicle it could be used to commit a criminal offence or else they will just joyride around estates in the city. They fly around the place, do donuts, take videos and put them up on social media. It is reckless in the extreme.

"If they need diesel or petrol they just go into a filling station and drive off but they’ll only do it once as they know they’re on CCTV. They generally dump the car afterwards,” said the source.

They added that the perpetrators can be as young as 13 or 14.

The vehicles stolen in recent weeks include a 161-registered black Hyundai Tucson and a 152 Mazda 2 in Croom, a black BMW 5 Series 2006 in Corbally, a 2006  BMW X5 in Adare, a 2012 red Volkswagen Polo and a 2015 silver Volkswagen Passat in Murroe, a black Volkswagen Golf and a  black Toyota Hilux Crew Cab at a pub outside Killaloe, a black Nissan Qashqai in a housing estate in Killaloe and a black Toyota Yaris in an estate in Ballina.

The majority of the vehicles were recovered by gardai.

Limerick Live contacted Sergeant Michelle O’Halloran, local Crime Prevention Officer, who said An Garda Síochána in Limerick is advising members of the public to exercise increased vigilance following a number of recent burglaries across the city and county, some of which have resulted in the theft of vehicles. Gardaí in the Limerick Division are actively investigating.

“Residents are reminded of the importance of securing their homes at all times. Doors and windows should be locked, with burglars entering homes through unlocked doors in some cases and accessing keys of vehicles.   

“Even when occupants are at home or leaving for short periods, they should ensure doors and windows are locked. Gardaí also recommend ensuring that properties are well lit and, where possible, the use of motion-activated lighting and alarm systems, which can act as effective deterrents,” said Sgt O’Halloran.

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The sergeant said vehicle owners are advised to take additional precautions to safeguard their cars. 

“Vehicles should always be locked, with windows fully closed when unattended. Vehicles should be parked in well-lit and visible areas. Gardaí strongly advise against leaving valuables in vehicles, including house keys or automatic gate fobs and recommend the use of additional security devices such as steering wheel locks or immobilisers. Particular care should be taken to store vehicle keys securely within the home.

“An Garda Síochána is also appealing to the public in Limerick to remain alert to any unusual or suspicious activity, particularly during night-time hours. Community cooperation is vital in preventing crime, and members of the public are encouraged to report any concerns promptly.

"Suspicious activity should be reported to the local garda station, and in the case of an emergency, gardaí should be contacted by calling 999 or 112.”

Sgt O’Halloran concluded by saying gardaí in the Limerick Division continue to work closely with the community to prevent crime and maintain public safety. 

“By remaining vigilant and taking simple preventative measures, residents can play an important role in protecting their homes, vehicles and communities.”