Sergeant John Connolly, Westmeath’s Crime Prevention Officer, this week expressed concern at the ongoing thefts from cars in the Westmeath division.
“Following a media campaign last year thefts of this type were brought under control but unfortunately complacency may have set in with certain people. My concern is that as the summer approaches and visitors arrive the problem may increase,” said Sergeant Connolly.
“I would ask hotels to cooperate with the campaign by ensuring CCTV in their car parks is to a good standard and serviced, with appropriate CCTV signage in situ as this is what we term a ‘psychological’ deterrent,” he added.
Sgt Connolly went on to say that the same areas of the town seem to targeted such as hotel and public car parks, housing estates both in Mullingar and Athlone, and locations nears lakes and rivers, and beauty spots. These are traditionally locations where people park their cars and go walking or running for a period of time.
“I have noted myself while walking that occasionally I see items clearly visible in cars. You must remember it takes literally seconds to break a car window. The items still visible in cars include handbags, phones, laptops, and iPads,” Sgt Connolly noted.
The cost to the motorist can run into hundreds of euro depending on the damage done. This does not cover the information that may be on laptops and phones, etc.
A few words of advice
Do you really need to have your laptop in your car?
Do you really need to bring those items of value with you if you are going for a walk?
If you must leave items in the car do not place them in the boot when you have parked; do it prior to parking.
Take a look at where you’re parking, is it completely isolated? This may not be a good idea as it may facilitate the criminal. This is due to the lack of natural surveillance (passersby ).
Is your car going to be there during hours of darkness?
Is your car definitely locked?
“I intend to distribute one-page documents to the various stations outlining practical advice in the coming days to assist persons and increase awareness. These documents will also be available in public facilities in the coming days,” he added.
“Nothing should be visible from the car windows. Be aware of your surroundings when parking,” added Sgt Connolly.
Specific advice can be had by contacting Sgt Connolly on (044 ) 934000 or any Garda station or at www.garda.ie
