Gardaí has issued a warning to vehicle owners following the theft a of set of car number plates recently.
Gardaí in Killaloe are investigating the theft of a set of vehicle registration plates from a vehicle parked in The Brook estate in Ballina, County Tipperary. This theft took place between midnight and 4am last Tuesday morning, the 25th June.
The registration plates were stolen from a grey Audi A5 hatchback.
Crime Prevention Officer for Clare, Sergeant Catriona Holohan said: “If anyone observed any persons or vehicles near this this grey Audi A5 on Tuesday morning, please contact Killaloe Garda Station on 061 620540.
Sgt Holohan said: “Garda believe that car thieves are fitting stolen number plates to stolen cars to allow them to move around undetected. The process is straightforward: car thieves look for a car that is the same model and colour as the one they intend to steal and then they steal registration plates from a vehicle that is the same make, model and colour of this vehicle. This is often done before they steal a car, so that they can switch the plates immediately.”
“Now that we know how, what can we do as a community to stop these criminals? I am asking people to be mindful of this incident and to consider two things;
Firstly, if you are the owner of a grey Audi A5, be extra vigilant over the coming weeks. We know that there are a set of plates in the hands of criminals so please ensure that your grey Audi A5 is locked, keep your key away from the front door and if possible, park your vehicle in behind another vehicle or in a manner that makes it very difficult for it to be stolen.
Secondly, I am appealing to the public to be mindful of how criminals are working. If we see something suspicious, please contact your local Garda Station.”
If you observe a grey Audi A5, 3 series grey BMW or a purple Mazda Demio in your area and you’re not familiar with the owner or you observe an Audi A5, 3 series BMW or a purple Mazda Demio in an unusual location, please contact Ennis Garda Station or the emergency services number, 999/112.
Finally, please remember that you can give information relating to a crime or other activities confidentially to a Garda Confidential Number 1800 666 111,” Sgt Holohan added.
