A recent spate of thefts from cars in the Carrigaline area has left residents in the locality concerned.
OUTsurance, the Irish-based car insurance company, has issued guidance to vehicle owners in Cork about the increasing risks of motor theft across the country.
Theft from cars is often categorised as an ‘opportunistic crime’, as individuals check to see if cars are unlocked, and take whatever valuables are easily accessible to them.
There are several actions citizens can take to try and prevent both opportunistic crime and more hard-line burglary attempts.
To help prevent break-ins:
Always lock the doors and windows
Ensure your vehicle is fully locked and windows are closed. Many thefts happen due to unsecured vehicles, so don’t overlook this effective safety precaution.
Install a car alarm
A car alarm can be a deterrent for opportunistic criminals not wanting to draw attention to themselves and can alert you in an emergency.
Park in busy, well-lit areas
If you can, choose parking spots in well-lit areas. Thieves are less likely to target vehicles in places where they can easily be seen or caught on camera.
Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle
Keep personal belongings out of sight and don’t leave any valuables accessible to thieves.
For added precautions to prevent car theft, OUTsurance advises:
Install a steering wheel lock
A steering wheel lock adds an extra layer of protection by making your vehicle a less appealing target to thieves and complicating the theft process.
Use a GPS tracking system
Using a GPS tracker will improve your chances of recovering your vehicle if it is stolen. A cost effective measure is to conceal an Apple AirTag in your vehicle.
Use an immobiliser
An immobiliser prevents the engine from starting without the correct key or electronic device, making it significantly harder for thieves to steal your vehicle by hot-wiring it.
Fit theft-resistant number plate fittings
Theft-resistant number plate fittings feature high-security screws and bolts, usually made from high quality steel which is designed to resist any tampering. Vehicle manufacturers and most local garages provide these fittings.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) reported that 172 motor thefts were reported in the Cork Garda Division in the second quarter of 2024, an increase of 11 incidents compared to the same quarter last year.
Nationally, 4,037 motor theft and related offences were reported in the first two quarters of 2024, with 405 stolen vehicles reported in Cork.
A total of 7,638 motor thefts were reported in 2023, making it the worst year for car thefts in more than a decade. With the half-year 2024 figures on track to surpass the 2023 numbers, it is expected that 2024 will be the worst year for motor theft in recent history.
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