Gardaí have issued an alert to owners of Japanese imported cars following a series of car tampering and damage incidents in the Ramelton area.
Last weekend, three cars were targeted overnight between Friday 6th June and the morning of Saturday 7th June.
The incidents took place across two locations.
A Toyota Scion was parked in The Mall area when its window was smashed, and the car’s lock was interfered with.
A Nissan Note at Castle Street also had a window smashed. No entry was gained to this vehicle. Also at Castle Street, a Lexus was significantly damaged when an attempt was made to pull off the front bumper, causing it to crack, and the rear spoiler was removed entirely.
Gardaí have voiced concern over an apparent increase in the targeting of imported vehicles, especially Japanese imports, which they believe may be due to a perceived lack of security features in many of these models.
Garda Claire Rafferty said: “For instance, many second-hand car imports do not have a fully fitted car alarm system or are without a fitted immobiliser. This makes them vulnerable to hot-wiring. If the model has a keyless ignition it has proven possible to pick up a signal from the key fob from within the house where it is parked.
“Car buyers and owners can take actions to decrease the risk of the theft of their vehicle. Cars imported from international markets are not automatically manufactured with the same security features as cars manufactured for the European market.
“We advise buyers and owners of vehicles to confirm the security features of import vehicles, especially to check if there is an in-built immobiliser and to consider additional security options.
“Buyers should check the security features of their vehicles and make decisions relating to augmenting security
“For cars without an immobiliser, the addition of a steering wheel lock or chain should be considered.”
General vehicle security advice is:
1. Do not leave valuables on show
2. Lock doors and fully close windows
3. Fit an alarm
4. Retrofit an Immobiliser or use a physical lock
5. Install a tracker
6. Use physical security features such as a steering wheel lock and catalytic convertor lock
7. Fit theft-resistant number plate fittings
8. Park under streetlights
9. Park where there is CCTV when possible.
Always report suspicious activity in carparks or near parked vehicles at any location to Gardaí immediately.
Anybody who may have relevant information or dash-cam footage relating to the incidents in Ramelton is asked to get in touch with Gardaí in Milford on 074-9153060. The Garda Confidential Line can be contacted on 1800 666 111.
