Children rip copper from Limerick home

AN EAGLE-EYED woman ensured that further damage wasn't caused to her neighbour's house by two children.

Sergeant Ber Leetch, crime prevention officer, stressed the importance of looking out for each other. Sgt Leetch said the incident occurred on Wednesday, May 8 at 5.40pm.

"A woman in her early 60s from the Ballysimon area was out at the back of her house feeding her dogs. She heard noise coming from the house next door. This house is in the process of being renovated," said Sgt Leetch.

The woman went over to the house and saw two young lads aged around twelve-years-old in the back bathroom, said the sergeant.

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"She could see that the back door was open and two copper boilers had been ripped from the bathroom. The sink had also been ripped off the wall, causing damage. The youths ran from the house in different directions once they saw her but nothing was taken.

"Entry had been gained through a rear window that had been left open. Criminals will often look for lead or copper in building or renovation sites so store these out of sight and securely," said Sgt Leetch.

She added that it is also a good idea to introduce yourself to your new neighbours and ask them to ring you if they see anything suspicious.