Limerick gardai issue warning as thief targets women with buggies

GARDAI are appealing to young mothers to be vigilant following a number of recent theft incidents in the city.

They are attributing the incidents to a thief who, it appears, is targeting mothers with buggies or strollers.

In one incident, on Wednesday May 10, a mother was targeting while pushing her stroller with a child on O'Connell Street.

"At approximately 1pm, she was momentarily distracted. At the same time a thief stole her purse from the bottom of the stroller. The purse contained a number of debit cards. All of the cards were used unlawfully in multiple transactions minutes later," said Garda John Finnerty who said a similar incident happened the following day.

On that occasion, a mother went into a shop on William Street at exactly 9.40am. She was pushing a buggy with a child.

"Again, she was momentarily distracted. A thief stole her purse from her handbag which had been left on the bottom of the buggy. A total of €60 in cash was stolen," said Garda Finnerty.

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While investigations are ongoing, gardai say they are unable to issue a description of the thief in either case.

"We would advise all mothers not to leave handbags or purses in the bottom of strollers or buggies. Carry your debit cards or credit cards on your person where they will be more secure," said Garda Finnerty.

Anyone with information about either incident is asked to contact Henry Street garda station.