Gardaí have launched a new campaign to encourage people to be more "streetwise" when they are out and about.

Gardaí are issuing a seasonal reminder for people to be aware of their security when out shopping or socialising in the coming weeks.

Nearly €15m worth of jewellery and €7.8m in cash was stolen from Irish homes in the past year. In total, property worth €35.1m was stolen between July 2013 and July 2014.

More than 200 cars were stolen last year by thieves using magnets or long hooks to 'fish' car keys through letterboxes.

More than €10m worth of jewellery and cash was stolen from homes in the last six months of 2013, the Garda have revealed.

Householders have been warned about a crime craze of “fishing” burglars who use long rods to steal car and home keys through letterboxes.

Irish and foreign gangs stole more than 12,000 smartphones last year — a rate that has surged by 33% in just 12 months.

High gates and walls, along with large trees, attract burglars rather than acting as a deterrent, Garda experts have warned.

CONCERN has been raised about the level of violence used in mobile phone thefts.