Donegal Gardai have issued a warning to local tradespeople to be vigilant when parking their cars or vans.
It follows a number of incidents in recent weeks when tools and other equipment have been stolen from vehicles.
Gardai have now issued a list of guidelines to tradespeople in a bid to cut down on thefts from trade vehicles.
Gardai have reminded the tradespeople to:
* Ensure that your vehicle is locked, alarmed and parked safely in a well lit up area.
* Store your car keys away from windows and letterboxes.
* Don’t store valuables in your car.
Gardai have agreed that 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 should be fitted to vehicles
• Consider a monitored vehicle alarm and tracking devices for valuable property.
• Mark and photograph the property and take a record of serial numbers, makes & models.
• Download the An Garda Síochána Property App. It will give you the facility to record the unique information associated with your property.
• Park your vehicle within CCTV view if you have a CCTV system at your home/premises.
The spokesperson said that people should always report any suspicious activity to Gardaí. In urgent cases dial 999 or 112. #ParkSmart #CrimePrevention
