Gardai have warned people not to start their cars on frosty mornings just to heat them up outside their homes.
It follows an incident during which a car was taken after the owner went back into their home.
Garda Chief Superintendent Terry McGinn gave the warning at this month’s Joint Policing Committee meeting.
“People come out and they put on the heating during cold mornings to heat them up.
“And then they see the cars driving down the street and they are not in them.
“We would appeal to people not to leave cars unattended with the engine running,” she said.
Garda Sgt Paul Wallace added that the number of people who leaves their cars unlocked overnight is shocking.
He said local Gardai recently carried out a survey of unlocked cars and the number was very high.
“The day of leaving your car unlocked in your driveway or outside your home is over. Thieves know that people leave cars unlocked and it is so simple for them to come along and just try the handle.
“We would appeal to people to always lock their cars no matter how short the time they are away,” he said.
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