IN the first four weeks of 2012 a 39% increase in the theft of valuables from vehicles has been recorded at Roxboro Garda Station according to figures confirmed to the Limerick Post.
Henry Street Station has confirmed that there has also been a considerable rise in the theft of vehicles with 11% of all burglaries related to the theft of car keys and the subsequent theft of cars. “Of all areas this is the one causing most concern ,” Superintendent Frank O’Brien of Henry Street Garda Station told the Limerick Post.  “There has been a significant increase in thefts of items from cars, particularly in the Ellen Street and Johnsgate areas of the city”.
Incidents of theft and vandalism have also been reported in the Denmark Street and Hartstonge Street districts.
“We have had a number of successes with people due before the courts for the crimes, but the last two weeks have been particularly bad.  “Additional patrols have been deployed but I would appeal to people, particularly those living in or visiting the city centre, not to make it easier for criminals by leaving any valuables on display in their vehicles”.
Of further concern to gardaí is the theft of vehicles from outside residents homes.
“One of the major reasons that homes are targeted by burglars is for the purpose of taking car keys.
“In the mid-90’s car thefts were common, but then you could almost look at a car and it would start but these days criminals need to access keys first and are breaking into houses to do so.
“I would ask people to be cuter in relation to hiding their car keys and not just throw them down when they get in the door, presuming they won’t be targeted.
“Avoid leaving keys in obvious locations that will attract opportunist thieves”.
In further vehicle-related crime, three were set alight in recent days.
According to an employee of Ecowarm, in the Eastlink Business Park, two of the companies’ vehicles were allegedly set alight outside the business early on Tuesday morning, January 31. He also alleges that a third company vehicle was set on fire outside the home of an employee and further claims that the business premises was broken into and a number of computers stolen.
Supt Frank O’Brien confirmed that “a number of incidents at the business park are being investigated”.