I could have easily stolen 4x4s, says garda

A Garda crime prevention officer has revealed he could have "easily stolen" three 4x4s last week, as he urged the farming community to be more vigilant.

Meath-based Sgt Dean Kerins said came across three vehicles left unattended with their engines running in the space of a few hours on rural roads between Kells, Crossakiel and Oldcastle last Thursday.

Sgt Kerins said: “The theft of jeeps across Meath occurs on occasions and you would wonder how thieves can be so lucky all the time to come across them.

“Well, if I was a thief, I could have stolen three jeeps last week which were left unattended and with engines running.”

The vehicles were left at the side of the roads and Sgt Kerins believes they belonged to farmers who were checking their livestock or crops.

He warned those living in rural areas that they are often more susceptible to thefts as robbers cruise the back roads in search of easy pickings.

“Owners should remember that even in the quieter parts of our county, thieves are actively travelling around and looking for easy opportunities.

“Please do not leave any car or jeep unattended with the engine running or with keys in them — even for a split second. It’s all a thief needs to take off in it, leaving you with a lot of problems and insurance headaches.”

Sgt Kerins added that the mindset of motorists needs to be changed in relation to leaving their cars open for a short time.

“Cars have been taken at service stations where owners haven’t locked them or left keys in the ignition while they run in to pay for fuel.

“In winter months too, people leave engines running outside their homes to defrost windscreens on frosty mornings. Thieves can’t believe their luck.”