Key tips to reduce ongoing risk of thefts from vehicles

Garda Crime Watch with Sergeant Michael Walsh

While many crime types have decreased over the past 12 months, theft from vehicles remains all too prevalent. Over the past two months, there has been on average one theft from vehicles each day reported to An Garda Síochána from across the county.

By adopting a few simple crime prevention tips, you will decrease the possibilities of your car being stolen or broken into. Reports are showing that many of these incidents are occurring overnight, and in very many cases the cars were left unlocked.

Typically, the types of items taken are cash, wallets, bags, sunglasses, dash cams, and electronic goods – but anything left on view is creating an opportunity for thieves.

Where ever you park your vehicle, An Garda Síochána would always advise you to take your property with you and ensure the vehicle is locked, alarmed and parked in a secure, well-lit location. Try not to leave any valuables in the car whatsoever.

Sometimes it is impractical to remove tools and equipment from vehicles. In these cases, owners should take extra steps to ensure the safety of their property.

Additional locking mechanisms to vehicles should be fitted. Consider a monitored vehicle alarm and tracking devices for valuable property.

Try marking and photographing your property and take a record of serial numbers, makes and models. This can not only deter a criminal from taking your property, but it means if we recover the stolen items we can get them back to you.

It’s also important to store your car keys safely in your home. Don’t leave them on the hall table or near a door or window where they could be easily taken.

For those that have vehicles with keyless entry, what is known as ‘relay theft’ is a new method used to steal cars.

Car thieves can use an electronic device that can take the signal from your key without ever entering your house and send the signal to remotely start your car. If you have a keyless entry key, you should store it in a signal blocking pouch (called a Faraday Bag).

The theft of catalytic converters from the underside of cars is always something that attracts criminal attention owing to their high metal value.

An Garda Síochána are working closely with recycling and scrap metal industries in an effort to cut off the route to market for criminals, meanwhile their plight continues.

While catalytic converter thefts are much higher in Dublin and other parts of the country, we are asking everyone to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious activity.

Information on the types of vehicles being targeted and how to help prevent such thefts can be found on the Society of the Irish Motor Industry website

Always park your vehicle where there is good natural surveillance and lighting. Remember, not to leave property on view inside your car and make sure you lock it.

Remove any external property that may be stored on roof racks etc. Remain vigilant, if you see anyone acting suspicious around any vehicle phone 999.

Do not ignore car alarms – and report all thefts from vehicles and other crimes to An Garda Síochána. For more information scan the attached QR code and watch a related Garda crime prevention video.

■ Sergeant Michael Walsh is the Garda Crime Prevention Officer for Galway. He can be contacted at: 087-2367257 or by email at: michael.p.walsh@garda.ie