Gardaí in Limerick are investigating three separate burglaries involving garages, sheds and workshops in the county.
The incidents took place in the Kilmallock, Galbally and Meelick areas between August 12 and August 14.
Sergeant Michael Gallagher of Community Policing at Mayorstone Garda Station said the first incident happened at a workshop in the Kilmallock area on August 12.
The owner had gone to the premises to reboot the internet, which was not working at the time, when he disturbed two men inside the workshop. The two men then left the area on foot. A number of tools were reported stolen following the incident.
Gardaí at Hospital Garda Station are investigating the burglary.
A second incident took place at a property in the Galbally area on the same date. Entry was gained to a shed after the locks were cut, with a socket set among the items reported stolen.
Gardaí in Bruff are investigating that incident.
A third burglary involved a garage in Meelick, where a ride-on lawnmower was stolen. The theft happened overnight between August 12 and August 14 and is being investigated by Gardaí at Mayorstone Garda Station.
Sergeant Gallagher has now urged homeowners and property owners to take extra precautions, particularly as garages, sheds and workshops can contain valuable equipment.
“Garden sheds, garages and workshops frequently contain valuable property such as tools, bikes and machinery,” he said.
“We would encourage people to use strong locks, alarm sheds where possible, and never leave expensive equipment visible.”
He also encouraged people to mark tools and other valuable property, saying this can help Gardaí identify and return stolen items if they are recovered.
“We would urge people to remain alert and to report any suspicious behaviour to their local Garda station,” Sergeant Gallagher said. “Community awareness plays a key role in preventing and solving crime.”
Gardaí are also warning members of the public to be cautious when buying second-hand tools, machinery or other equipment.
Sergeant Gallagher said people should avoid purchasing items being offered at unusually low prices if their origin cannot be established.
“If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is,” he said. “Buying stolen property helps fuel this type of crime.”
Anyone who is offered suspicious tools, trailers or farm equipment for sale, or who has information about any of the three incidents, is asked to contact their local Garda station.
Information can also be provided to the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
Gardaí are reminding the public that even information which may appear insignificant could prove important to the investigation.
