Gardaí have issued an appeal for information following several incidents where catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles across Clare.
Crime Prevention Office for the Clare Garda Division Sergeant Triona O’Rourke confirmed that incidents were reported in Miltown Malbay, Mullagh, Barefield and Ennis.
Sgt O’Rourke outlined the incidents that have been reported to Gardaí.
- Between 9.45 p.m. and 9.50 p.m. on Tuesday, 5th March three males drove into the Finnuremore Park estate in Mullagh. One male jacked up a car parked in the estate while the other two males stood guard – these males stole the catalytic convertor from this car. All three males were wearing balaclavas and they left the estate towards Mullagh in a dark navy blue Toyota with a partial registration of 09 G.
- On Thursday, 7th March at 9.30 p.m. in Mullagh village a catalytic converter was stolen from a car parked in the village.
- Sometime between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Monday, 4th March a catalytic converter was stolen from a car parked in Barefield Village.
- Between 6 p.m. on Saturday, 2nd March and 12.40 p.m. on Monday, 4th March two Catalytic Converters were stolen from a garage in the Gort Road Industrial Estate.
- On Saturday, 2nd March between 5.10 p.m. and 12 midnight the Catalytic Converter and Oxygen Sensor were stolen from a car parked on the Limerick Road, Ennis.
- On Thursday, 7th March between 6.55 p.m. and 10.45 p.m. the Catalytic Converter was stolen from a car parked on Shanaway Road, Ennis.
Sgt O’Rourke added: “Catalytic Converters along with copper and other metals, have become a hot commodity for thieves. They are relatively easy to steal by unbolting or cutting out and they lack identifying markings. They contain several metals which are valuable. A professional gang can jack up a car and use a battery powered steel cutter or angle grinder to steal the catalytic converter within five minutes.”
Sgt O’Rourke has asked anyone with information to contact their local Garda station or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
For Crime Prevention advise visit www.garda.ie.
