Kerry tourists warned after spate of car raids

Visitors to well-known tourist areas have been urged by gardaí not to leave valuables exposed in their cars following a spate of smash-and-grab raids in Kerry.

Gardaí are also requesting the help of the public in their efforts to apprehend criminals who stole goods from 13 cars in the county in recent days.

The thefts were reported at beaches and beauty spots including Killarney National Park, Caherciveen, Ballyheigue, Kenmare, and Castlegregory.

Goods stolen included laptops, sat navs, and bags, while cameras and mobile phones were also targeted.

Sergeant James Foley, Kerry’s crime-prevention officer, urged people to take simple precautions by not leaving goods exposed in their cars and taking the precaution of locking them in the boot.

“The crime rate in Kerry is no higher, or lower, than any other part of the country but opportunities arise for criminals if people don’t take certain precautions,” he said.

“We want people to have an enjoyable experience when they come here on holidays and don’t want them to be the victims of crime.”

The modus operandi of the criminals was much the same in all incidents, it emerged. They gained entry to a car by breaking a side window and making a fast exit with stolen goods. The process takes less than a minute, gardaí believe.

Members of the public have also been asked to contact the gardaí if they spot individuals acting suspiciously in or around car parks and beaches in tourist areas.

Gardaí also suspect the gang may be parking in tourist areas and keeping a keen eye on visitors.

Garda confidential free phone line: 1800 666111.