This article is from page 11 of the 2011-07-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
GARDAÍ are warning holidaymakers and people visiting the county’s tourist hotspots over the summer to be mindful that thieves are targeting parked cars in “opportunistic” spates of crime.
Every summer, tourist spots including Spanish Point, Kilkee, Lahinch, Dromore Woods and the Burren are hit as parked cars are broken into. Thieves mainly attack cars where they see valuables visible. Property including mobile phones, sat. navs., valuable clothing and handbags placed under seats are commonly targeted.
Last week, tents that were camped in Spanish Point were targeted. Personal belongings including handbags, mobile phones and money were stolen. Gardaí are warning that similar incidents may take place over the coming weeks unless people are vigilant.
The Crime Prevention Officer in the Clare Garda Division, Sergeant Joe Downey, said crimes of this nature are “opportunistic”.
“We see a bit of it and we see an increase of it at summer time because people are visiting resorts,” said Sgt Downey. “We would appeal to people not to leave property visible in cars and if they have valuable property with them, take it with them. Also, we would advise not to park in isolated areas,” he added.
“It is pure opportunistic. They (thieves) drive into an area and see things inside cars and take them,”
said Sgt Downey.
“The areas that at
tract them have large
amounts of people; tour
ist attractions and places
of interest. They break
windows and steal the
property,” he added.
While gardaí monitor
those areas, it can be
difficult to solve many
of those crimes in the
absence of concrete evi
dence.
“Unfortunately they
are not easy to solve. Seldom is there evidence left that we can use to solve them. Those who engage in this know where there are rich pickings,” he said.
People visiting tourist areas who see any suspicious activity should contact their local garda station.