Gardai issue security warning following thefts in west Limerick and warn of new WhatsApp scam

LIMERICK gardai are investigating separate thefts in Croom and Adare.

Sergeant Michelle O Halloran, Crime Prevention Officer at Henry Street Garda Station said:

"Gardaí in Croom received a report of a chainsaw stolen from a milking parlour. That theft happened sometime between the 17th of January and the morning of the 19th of January."

"And then in a separate incident in the Adare area, between the 17th and 18th of January, a male reported that a number of tools were stolen from a farm shed. Entry to the shed was gained through an unlocked door."

READ MORE: Gardai investigate shooting incident in residential area of Limerick

Sgt O'Halloran is advising locals not to make it easy for thieves. "Always lock your vehicle, even if it’s parked at home, and never leave keys inside the car."

For farmers, we’d strongly encourage people to lock sheds, parlours, and outbuildings, even for short periods. Secure tools and machinery, keep them out of sight where possible, and consider security lighting or CCTV," added Sgt O'Halloran.

"Marking equipment and keeping a record of serial numbers can also be very helpful. And of course, if people notice anything unusual – unfamiliar vehicles, people acting suspiciously – we’d ask them to contact Gardaí straight away.

You can contact your local Gardai or indeed Garda Confidential Line on 1800666111 and remember always call 999 or 112 in case of emergency.

Gardai are also warning people about a new WhatsApp scam where fraudsters are posing as members of An Garda Síochána.

"The scammers are using WhatsApp calls and displaying the official Garda Crest as their profile picture, to appear legitimate," said the local crime prevention officer.

"The goal here is to trick people into handling over sensitive personal or banking information. We are reminding the public that we will never contact anyone via WhatsApp to request bank details or personal information and are urging anyone who receives such a call not to engage and to report it to your local Gardai."