Vehicle thefts up

First Ireland Newsletter: Vehicle thefts up

Your driving instructor will be able to talk you through these steps and your vehicle controls.

‌Vehicle thefts up 52% compared to 2021, according to the Garda as documented by RTE. Within the Irish market there appears to be a higher percentage of imported cars from outside the European market which are being stolen and it is believed to be due to many not having fully fitted security systems. By September of 2022 there was a calculated total of 15,432 Japanese imported vehicles in Ireland, therefore, it is not surprising vehicle thefts are up for these vehicles and they tend to be the main targets when it comes to theft.

Some of the top import brands appear as Volkswagen, Toyota, Honda and Nissan which easily correlates with stats reported on MotorCheck that stated Volkswagen Golf, Passat, Ford Focus, Toyota Avensis and Corolla are all in the top 10 of most taken vehicles.

With an increased sophistication in the methods used by thieves, it is important to take note of the steps you can take to protect your vehicle from possible theft.‌

• Double-check electronic locking – always manually check your vehicle has locked before walking away.

• Keep the keys safe and out of view when at home, and away from your front door.

• Cars with keyless entry unlock automatically when the key comes within a short distance of the car. This can be from inside a pocket or bag. Keyless car theft or
  ‘relay theft’ is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close
  by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition. When at home keep your car key
  (and the spare) well away from the car and put the keys in a screened or
  signal-blocking pouch.

• Fit a steering lock and additional car alarm.

• Keep an eye out for people lurking around, especially when leaving your vehicle. If you think someone is a threat, notify the police.

• Lock your vehicle, even when filling up or parked on your drive, greatly reduces the possibility of it being targeted by an opportunist thief.

• Check you haven’t left any windows or the sunroof open.

• Don’t leave your vehicle running unattended while you de-ice it or warm it up in cold weather – it’s illegal.

• Be aware of carjackers – drive with the doors locked and when queuing in traffic/stopped at traffic lights leave enough space in front of your vehicle, this will help you to manoeuvre your car if anyone tries to access/take control of your vehicle.

• Park responsibly and avoid parking in dark and secluded areas. It’s worth an extra five or ten-minute walk if it means your vehicle is left in a well-lit and busier street.

Category: First Ireland Newsletter