Spike in catalytic converter thefts in Limerick
A SURGE in the theft of catalytic converters has been reported in areas around Limerick city and county.
According to Garda John Finnerty, one incident took place on June 22 at 10:25pm in Dromcollogher, where a thief targeted a silver Toyota Prius parked on Pike St.
Garda Finnerty spoke of the incident, saying the thief “jacked up the car and attempted to extract the catalytic converter.
“Fortunately, the owner managed to disturb the thief and he subsequently fled.” He added that the thief was wearing a balaclava, and remains unidentified, but witnesses reported seeing him in a blue BMW 318 saloon with a 07D registration.
Gardaí are urging anyone with information or sightings of the car in the Dromcollogher area to contact the local Dromcollogher gardaí on 063 83002.
In addition to the incident in Dromcollogher, two catalytic converters were stolen in the Castletroy area.
The first incident involved the theft of a catalytic converter from a silver Toyota Auris parked in the driveway of a residence in Cois Ghruada, Castletroy, between 9pm on June 22, and 2:30pm the following afternoon.
The second converter was stolen from another silver Toyota Auris, between 9pm on June 22, and 9am on June 23.
Given the proximity of the housing estates and the similar time frames, gardaí believe a link between these two crimes.
Individuals with any information related to these incidents are urged to call Henry St garda station at 061 212400.
For security, Garda Finnerty advises the public to park in garages, or locations that restrict access to the underneath of the vehicle, or to etch security details into the converter.