Gardaí are appealing for CCTV and doorbell footage following the theft of two cars in Waterford City earlier this month.

The first incident happened in Kilbarry on October 19 between 3.30am and 7.30am, when an 11-registered grey Toyota Vitz was stolen.

The vehicle was recovered the following day in the Lacken Road area and has since been taken for technical examination.

A second car was stolen from Mary Street in the city between 12.15am and 11.30am on the same day.

The 192-registered black Nissan March was later found at the IDA Business Park in Waterford and has also been taken for technical examination.

Gardaí are asking residents in the affected areas to check CCTV and video doorbells for anything which may assist their investigations.

The appeal comes as Gardaí continue their annual Lock Up Light Up campaign, which encourages homeowners to take additional precautions as the evenings get darker.

Gardaí say around a quarter of entry points in residential burglaries involve unsecured doors or windows, with burglaries tending to increase during the winter months, particularly between 4pm and 10pm.

People are being advised to lock doors and windows, use lights or timers when properties are vacant and ensure sheds, garages and other outbuildings are properly secured.

Operation Tombola is also underway ahead of Halloween, targeting the illegal sale and use of fireworks along with associated anti-social behaviour.

Gardaí are reminding the public that throwing fireworks in streets or other public places is a criminal offence and are urging people to report dangerous firework activity.

Anyone with information on the vehicle thefts can contact their local Garda station, call 999 or 112 in an emergency, or contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.