Theft warning

GARDAÍ have warned motorists not to leave engines running while their cars are unattended after several vehicles were stolen from driveways recently.

Gardaí in Galway are investigating the theft of cars in Athenry, Oranmore and in an estate off the Headford Road in the city.

“It has become common during frost and snow for a motorist to start the car and leave it defrost and heat up unattended but unfortunately thieves are now targeting these vehicles,” said a garda spokesman.

He said that the problem was largely confined to housing estates and he urged motorists not to leave vehicles unattended.

“Most people head to work or bring children to school around the same time so a thief will know there is a particular time each morning when motorists are defrosting cars and we have had several incidents of vehicles being taken in such a manner.”