The public is being urged to take caution when parking at scenic locations in Waterford.
Following a rise in thefts from cars parked in popular locations, especially in the county along coasts and inland attractions, Gardaí is appealing for witnesses to a number of incidents.
Speaking to WLR News, Garda Joe O'Keeffe gives further details.
"[An incident] happened on Sunday, April 9th, Easter Sunday. [Gardaí] in Kilmacthomas are investigating the theft of an item from a parked car in Ballydowane, Co. Waterford.
"A Blue Toyota was parked in the car park between 4:50 P: M and 5:50 P: M with the rear passenger window broken, and a Kate Spade Handbag containing cash, necklace, glasses, and some bank cards was taken," he told WLR News.
Another incident occurred at another popular attraction in the county.
"A white Seat Arona was broken into in Mahon Falls on Good Friday, April 7th.
"A sum of cash was taken from the vehicle between 5:00 P: M and 6:00 P:M.
Coming into the summer months, it is expected that the rate of thefts will increase in well-known Waterford attractions.
Garda Joe O'Keeffe continued to give advice to people regarding securing valuables.
"It's about parking smart [and we] are in a beautiful county here, and there [are a lot] of areas people can go walking and people need to be aware of what is happening, by making sure [they] take their keys and make sure the car is locked.
"Secure the valuables [even] if it means leaving the valuables at home, please do so, and If [you] do have to bring something with you, hide it in the back seat of the car, put it in the glove box, whatever you can."
"We appealing to anybody that may have seen anything suspicious in the area, that they contact us."
To listen back to the full interview, click here.
