Gardaí issue advice to car owners after shocking 52% increase in thefts last year

Gardaí are issuing advice to motorists to prevent thefts after a significant increase last year. 

According to Gardaí over 4,000 vehicles were reported stolen in 2022, marking a 52% increase on 2021 and 17% increase on 2019. 

This was reportedly driven by the theft of second-hand imported cars from outside the European market, which may be due to the lack of security features in the most commonly stolen imported vehicles. 

Many second-hand car imports do not have a fully fitted car alarm system or are without a fitted immobiliser, which makes them vulnerable to hot-wiring. If the model has a keyless ignition it has proven possible to pick up a signal from the key fob from within the house where it is parked.

Sergeant Mark Bolger, Garda National Crime Prevention Office, said, "Car theft especially that of second-hand imported vehicles is on the rise. Car buyers and owners can take actions to decrease the risk of the theft of their vehicle. Cars imported from international markets are not automatically manufactured with the same security features as cars manufactured for the European market.

"We urge buyers and owners of vehicles to confirm the security features of import vehicles, especially to check if there is an in-built immobiliser and to consider additional security options.” 

Safety advice from Gardaí includes checking the security features of vehicles and making decisions relating to augmenting security, and acquiring an additional steering wheel lock or chain for cars without an immobiliser. 

Other advice includes not leaving valuables on show, locking doors and fully closing windows, fitting a alarm, installing a tracker, fitting theft-resistant number plate fittings, parking under streetlights, and parking where there is CCTV.