Thieves stalk people who make ATM cash withdrawals

People withdrawing large sums of cash from financial institutions have been warned they may be watched and followed home by thieves.

Galway Gardaí have confirmed the homes of a number of city residents who withdrew money from banks and credit unions have been targeted by burglars.

City Councillor Donal Lyons brought the matter to the attention of the latest Joint Policing Committee.

He said there has been a number of burglaries in Knocknacarra and Salthill, where residents had withdrawn cash and felt they were targeted for that reason.

“Be careful when withdrawing money from financial institutions and make sure when you go home it is secure,” he said.

City Councillor Terry O’Flaherty told of two households on the east side of the city who had their holiday money stolen by burglars, who appeared to know there was cash in the house.

In one case a large amount of Sterling was stolen, and in the other US Dollars were taken in the burglary.

Chief Superintendent Tom Curley agreed homeowners needed to be vigilant when withdrawing cash, and to store it securely.

He said he was aware of a couple of instances where people had withdrawn €5,000 and €10,000 in cash, which was stolen from their vehicles.

The money, he said, had been left it in the glove compartment of the vehicles, and the owners left the door unlocked and went inside to have a cup of coffee.

“You have to take care and precautions,” said Chief Superintendent Curley.

Burglaries in the city have fallen by 36% in the first five months of this year, compared with the same period in 2015. Some 87 burglaries were recorded, 48 fewer than the same five-months last year.