THE majority of drivers
who had items stolen from their parked cars in
Inishowen last month had left their vehicle open,
according to the local Garda Superintendent.
Buncrana district Supt. Jimmy Coen said most of the
car crime committed in the Inishowen area was "very
opportunistic".
"Worryingly, what we found was that most of the
vehicles that were entered were not locked. While
the property taken from them may have been minor in
some cases, it was still disturbing for the injured
parties," he said.
"I'm asking people to secure their cars properly and
don't leave anything on display. Don't be leaving
your mobile phone or any cheque books or cash cards
in your car. Take all your belongings with you
before you leave it."
He also urged people to be mindful of satellite
navigation systems.
"This is a new phenomenon. Satellite navigation
systems are very attractive to criminals, so don't
be leaving them so open in your car. If you have
valuable equipment, secure the identification number
of it, so if anything happens to it you can pass it
to the Gardai to help in their investigation and
recovery of the property." He also asked people to
consider where they park, particularly at night.
"Always try to park in a well lit and open place,"
he said.
Supt. Coen issued his advice as part of the Garda
Siochana's nationwide crime prevention and awareness
programme launched last night on RTÉ's Crimecall.
And he urged people in Inishowen to 'be a good
neighbour'.
"Become an active member of your local Neighbourhood
Watch or Community Alert scheme and remember to keep
an eye out for the older members of the community
especially those living alone," he added.
For more information on how to keep you and your
property safe, check out the Garda Website
www.garda.ie . |
