Mini crime wave strikes Kerry town

Shops, telephone kiosks and cars are all being targeted by thieves in Tralee, the town’s joint policing committee has heard.

According to Super-intendent Jim O’Connor there has been a large-scale increase in the number of shop thefts and car break-ins since the beginning of the year. Mobile phones, handbags, and car radios are all being stolen in the mini crime wave.

Supt O’Connor said foreign nationals were having their cars targeted.

“Despite all our efforts on crime prevention, we are still seeing property on display openly and doors being left open. We have quite a number of active criminals who will seize the soft opportunity.”

People worked hard for their property and they should not leave it exposed like this, he warned.

Vans with work equipment were also being targeted. Three phone kiosks had been robbed, with substantial amounts of cash taken. Copper had also been lifted from a number of premises.

“This is happening all around town, not in any particular area,” he said.

Committee members spoke of up to dozen cars being broken into at any one time.

Cllr Norma Foley (FF) said there was a need to protect tourists, in particular, from this kind of theft.