People with imported cars have been urged to stay vigilant as vehicle thefts have been on the rise.
Gardai have recorded a growth in the number of car theft, especially second-hand imported cars from outside Europe which lack security features in the most commonly stolen imported vehicles. Gardai warned that many second-hand car imports do not have a fully fitted car alarm system or are without a fitted immobiliser.
This makes them vulnerable to hot-wiring. As for cars with keyless ignition, sophisticated thieves can also pick up a signal from the key fob from within the house where it is parked. Earlier this morning, gardai arrested three male youths following the theft of a number of vehicles near Rathnew, Co Wicklow.
Read more: Gardai deploy stinger on suspected stolen car as teens and man arrested
They were detained at a garda station in Wicklow and all have since been released pending a referral to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme. Gardai have issued the following tips to protect your cars:
• Buyers should check the security features of their vehicles and make decisions relating to augmenting security
• For cars without an immobiliser, an additional steering wheel lock or chain should be considered
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