Waterford gardai issue urgent appeal after spate of car thefts in city area

Gardaí in Waterford are reminding motorists to be vigilant after a spate of car thefts in the city.

On Saturday, July 20, gardaí heard reports of a number of car thefts in Waterford.

"This type of offence is not something we see too often in the city.  So we are appealing to people to be extra vigilant and particularly to any taxi drivers who may have seen these cars being driven in the city on Friday night/Saturday morning," say Waterford gardaí.

The first vehicle was taken from Rockenham in Ferrybank sometime after 2:30am on July 20. It was 11-C Blue Toyota Vitz Hatchbatch and was discovered burnt out in the John’s Park area of Waterford city later that morning at about 7am.

The second vehicle was taken from Castlegrange area in Williamstown early on Saturday morning. It was a 07-MO White Toyota hatchback. This vehicle was also discovered burnt out in the John’s Park area of the city at 7am. 

Gardaí also heard of a third attempt to steal a vehicle close at Waterpark Apartments, which are close to University Hospital Waterford. There was damage to the ignition in this instance but the vehicle was not stolen. 

All three vehicles have been taken for technical examination and CCTV has been obtained.

A garda spokesperson has said: "If you live in these areas and have any information that can assist Gardaí please contact Waterford Garda Station on 051 391620 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

Again some practical advice for those with cars that do not have immobilizers fitted – they can be retro fitted or you should consider a steering lock which is visible from the outside of the car and cannot be easily or quickly removed. These are readily from local motor factors or online."