Gardaí in Mullingar are warning members of the public to take precautions to ensure their homes and belongings stay as safe as possible this Christmas.
Home-owners are being advised not to leave cash or jewellery in their homes when they are unoccupied.
If parking their car in a public place, members of the public are warned not to leave handbags or other valuables in the vehicle. Those doing their Christmas shopping are advised not to leave any goods visible in their car.
Finally, Gardai are advising home-owners to take note of the car registration numbers of any callers to their homes, and to report anything suspicious to Gardai.
The warnings come in the wake of a spate of break-ins and thefts from homes, business premises, and cars over the past week.
Last Friday December 2, six houses in the Castlepollard/ Delvin area were broken into while unoccupied during the day, and quantities of cash and jewellery were taken. On Saturday December 3, a house at Fennor, Collinstown was also burgled.
On Sunday December 4, a theft occurred from a car parked near the lake at Tudenham. A window was smashed and a purse taken while the owner of the car was out for a walk.
Overnight on Monday this week, a garage premises in Mullingar was broken into, and catalytic converters stolen from six vehicles.
And on Tuesday this week, a private residence was also broken into in Williamstown, Delvin, and jewellery and cash taken.
Anyone with any information on any of the above incidents is asked to contact Mullingar Gardaí at (044 ) 9384000.
