Garda appeal to Christmas shoppers following rise in thefts from cars in Limerick

GARDAI are appealing to Christmas shoppers not to leave presents or other valuables on display when they park.

More people will be out shopping over the coming weeks which means thieves will also be on the lookout for opportunities.

"A lot of Christmas shopping is being done now, people often return to their cars with bags. Be aware that criminals are on the lookout, do not give them a chance to steal from you, lock your car and check that it is locked," said divisional crime prevention officer Sergeant Ber Leetch who added that thieves will act quickly when given the chance.

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She has highlighted one incident, which occurred last weekend, as an example.

"A 24-year-old young woman parked her car in Merchants Quay at 6.50pm on November 12 and she went to collect a takeaway. When she came back 10 minutes later, she noticed her left back door was slightly open and her car looked like
someone had been through it," she said.

The woman then realised her purse, which contained €170 in cash and various cards, had been taken from
her bag.

"There was no damage to her car, that suggests she failed to lock it. This was obviously a mistake on her part so check the car door handle, do not rely on the flashing lights or mechanical sound; you may have pressed the open button," said Sgt Leetch.