Have you locked your car?

Did you remember to lock your car when you were out today? If not, and nothing happened, you were lucky, writes Brian Byrne.

The Diary is aware of a spate of unlocked cars being searched and items of value taken, both locally and in the wider county.

According to research from insurers Aviva, one in five owners don't always lock their cars. And Garda figures from recent years show that four in ten of all thefts from cars are from unlocked vehicles.

Lock your car even when filling up at a petrol station, or parked on your drive — a lot of thievery from cars is opportunistic, and half of it happens overnight outside the owner's home. 

It seems like a no-brainer but apparently isn't for many, don’t leave valuables visible in your car. Handbags, phones, or shopping bags on view are a sure way to attract thieves. If you must leave stuff in your car, then store it out of sight in your glove box or in a boot. 

When you're locking, always do it while you’re at the car and check the handle to make sure. Check the windows too!

Apart from minimising the chance of losing your stuff, think about the fact that you won't be embarrassed when reporting it ...

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