Warning as thieves hit sports clubs

Gardaí suspect that the same gang targeted two different sports events, breaking into 15 parked cars and stealing, cash, mobile phones and laptop computers.

They are the latest in a wave of similar crimes to hit Co Cork and despite several previous warnings from gardaí people continue to leave valuable belongings on show in their vehicles.

A total of 10 cars had windows smashed on Tuesday when they were parked at Mourneabbey GAA pitch near Mallow.

Supt Pat McCarthy said the cars were parked in an unlit area near the clubhouse when the gang struck as a match was under way between 7pm-9pm.

“They took wallets, cameras and laptops from some of the vehicles,” Supt McCarthy said.

His words were echoed by Supt Pat Lehane from Cobh whose gardaí are investigating another incident in Whitechurch which took place on the same night.

“Five cars were broken into some time between 6.45pm-9pm while there was training on at Rockmount Soccer Club,” Supt Lehane said.

* Anybody with information on the thefts is asked to contact Mallow Garda Station at (022) 21105 or Cobh Garda Station at [phone].