'The days of leaving doors unlocked have gone' after jeep stolen in south Donegal

Gardaí in south Donegal have said the “days of being able to leave house doors or vehicle doors unlocked have well and truly gone”.

The comments came after a parked jeep was stolen at farmland in the area of Grousehall, Pettigo on Saturday, September 6, in broad daylight.

There was a trailer attached with a calf on board. Between 1.45pm and 2pm, the jeep - a blue Toyota Hilux - was stolen. The trailer and calf were then abandoned a short distance down the road over the border and the stolen jeep was recovered also the following day in Northern Ireland. 

READ NEXT: Call for resistance against 'faceless Dublin bureaucrats' to save Donegal ISPCA

“We appeal to anyone who may have travelled in the Grousehall or general Pettigo area on September 6 between 1pm and 2.30pm with a dash-cam, to make the footage available to investigating Gardaí. If anyone can assist with relevant information in relation to this incident, we ask them to contact Gardaí in Ballyshannon on 071-9858530. 

“We feel that it is important to make people aware that these types of incidents are taking place. The days of being able to leave house doors or vehicle doors unlocked has well and truly gone. 

“Please always ensure that your vehicle is locked when unattended regardless of whether it is parked at your home, your farm or in a public place and never leave your keys in your vehicle. Do not make life easy for opportunist thieves. Always report suspicious activity to Gardaí immediately. 

“Should anyone wish to discuss farm or any other type of security measures, they can contact Sergeant Fergus Mc Groary (Divisional Crime Prevention Officer) and he will be happy to assist.”