Gardai warn how easy it is for criminals to break into your car

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Gardai warn how easy it is for criminals to break into your car

Gardai warn how easy it is for criminals to break into your car

The Garda are again warning the public how easy it is for car thieves to break into your car and show how that many car thefts are simply because many people forget to lock their car.  WATCH: Crime Prevention Park Smart Video       

They have even released a video as part of the Gardai ‘Park Smart Appeal’ which highlighted that 38% of all vehicles broken into were left unlocked.

It is very common for vehicles to get broken into while they are parked in the driveway of your home and 50% of these thefts occur at night. 

The Guards say that MPVs are the most popular car for criminals and the majority of thefts are opportunistic in nature, for example, many vehicles like this are stolen because a window is left slightly open and something valuable inside the car is on display.

The Guards advise to make sure that all the doors are locked, your windows are wound up and you do not leave any valuable things or bags on view inside your car.

Garda checking for unlocked cars on Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park

The Gardaí have also conducted a survey themselves on Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park, checking every vehicle to see how many were left unlocked.

It has become popular in recent years for car thieves to use signal blockers or signal interference and interception to unlock your car remotely. 

Tips for preventing your car from being stolen.

  • Park in a safe and suitable location
  • Look for a place with good lighting 
  • Find somewhere that has good natural surveillance 

Between 2015 and 2017 in Dublin, the 1,245 vehicles stolen were because the owners did not lock their cars and on average, over €340,000 worth of property was stolen from the vehicles each year.

Some of the kinds of property stolen from a car:

  • Cash
  • Laptops
  • Tools
  • Sunglasses
  • Jewelry 
  • Sports equipment.

Gardai ‘Park Smart Appeal’

 

Author

Justin Kavanagh
Justin Kavanagh is a recognised leader in automotive intelligence and vehicle data supply to the entire motor industry. He has almost 20 years experience in building systems from the ground up. As the Managing Director of Vehicle Management System, he understands the need and importance of trustworthy and reliable vehicle history and advice to both the trade and the public.
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