Over 4,000 vehicles were reported stolen in Ireland last year, a rise of 52% compared to the previous year, according to latest figures from the gardaí.
Car thefts were also up when compared to pre-pandemic times - at 17% higher in 2022 than in 2019.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Sergeant Mark Bolger from the Garda National Crime Prevention Office said that the figures are being driven by the theft of second-hand imported cars outside the European market, due to a lack of security measures associated with those cars.
"Many do not have a fully-fitted alarm system or immobiliser and it makes them vulnerable to hot wiring, he said.
"If there is a key in the ignition, it has proven possible to pick up a signal from the key fob from within a house where it's parked," he stated, adding that access can be gained into the ignition system without using a key.
"Without the immobiliser feature, it's very easy," he said.
Sgt Bolger said car buyers and owners can take actions to decrease the risk of the theft of their vehicle.
"We urge buyers and owners of vehicles to confirm the security features of import vehicles, especially to check if there is an in-built immobiliser and to consider additional security options."
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Safety advice:
- Buyers should check the security features of their vehicles and make decisions relating to augmenting security
- For cars without an immobiliser, additional steering wheel lock or chain should be considered
General vehicle security advice is:
- Do not leave valuables on show
- Lock doors and fully close windows
- Fit an alarm
- Retrofit an Immobiliser or use a physical lock
- Install a tracker
- Use physical security features such as a steering wheel lock and catalytic convertor lock
- Fit theft-resistant number plate fittings
- Park under streetlights
- Park where there is CCTV when possible
Sgt Bolger also suggested getting quality products with good security standard, saying that generally, the overall cost of these products will be lower than the costs associated with having a vehicle stolen.
