GARDAÍ in Limerick have warned householders to be extra careful about locking up after a number of local burglaries where the thieves walked right in through an open door.
On May 3 in Beechfield, Monaleen, a homeowner reported that entry was made to his home overnight between quarter to one and half past five, believed to have been through an unlocked front door.
Sergeant Michelle O’Halloran, Crime Prevention Officer at Henry Street Garda Station, said that keys to a vehicle were taken from inside the house, with the vehicle charging in the driveway at the time, but the vehicle itself was not stolen.
Gardaí in Castleconnell are investigating and have appealed for any witnesses or taxi drivers to come forward who may have been in the area dropping off fares, as it was the early hours of Sunday morning of the Riverfest bank holiday weekend, and someone may have witnessed a person or vehicle acting suspicious.
Investigating Gardaí can be contacted on 061 377 105 or on the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
“Unsecured doors and windows continue to provide opportunities for opportunistic offenders. Even where people are at home or only away for a short time, it is important that doors and windows are secured,” Sergeant O’Halloran said.
Front and rear doors account for more than half of burglary entry points, and unsecured doors remain the single most common way offenders gain access, she added.
The Crime Prevention Officer also warned drivers and passengers about the dangers of tempting thieves by leaving valuables visible in cars.
On the May 2, shortly after 1.20am at John’s Square, a man reported that he saw a man and a woman entering his van parked outside his home and going through the vehicle.
And between 9pm on the May 3 and 5.30am on the May 4, a theft from a vehicle was reported at Upper Gerald Griffin Street. A number of items were stolen, including a jacket, a bag, and a watch.
“We regularly see vehicles targeted where valuables are left inside and visible, even for a short period. Bags, clothing, watches, wallets and electronic items can all attract unwanted attention,” the Henry Street Sergeant said.
“Offenders will often look for homes or vehicles where access can be gained quickly and quietly. An unlocked door, an open window or valuables left visible inside a vehicle can create that opportunity.”
There were more than 9,000 reported burglaries in both 2023 and 2024, with that figure dropping to below 8,500 in 2025, Sergeant O’Halloran explained. The summer period, from April to September, between midnight and 5am, she noted, were among the most common times for burglaries.
“Lock all doors and windows every night and whenever leaving the house. Use timer switches, sensor lighting, or smart lighting to make the property appear occupied.
“Ensure alarm systems are working properly and serviced regularly. Keep keys away from windows, doors and letterboxes to prevent ‘fishing’ thefts. And avoid keeping large amounts of cash or valuable jewellery in the home where possible,” Sergeant O’Halloran warned.