Residents have been urged to double-check their cars have been locked

12:47, 06 Sep 2026Updated 12:48, 06 Sep 2026

Car thieves in the Maryborough Hill area this summer (file photo)(Image: Peter Horgan )

Thieves rummaging through unlocked cars late at night has become a common occurrence across Cork city in recent years, with new reports and nighttime CCTV footage being shared almost every week showing them going door to door hunting for valuables.

For the most part, they typically find little more than loose change and phone chargers, but in some instances, they’ve made off with significant valuables or the tools owners rely on to make their living.

However, with the recent rise in joyriding, these late-night prowlers may be looking to get their hands on more than just a few items they can flog for cash.

The cars involved in many of the high-profile wrong-way driving incidents seen in recent weeks have all been stolen vehicles taken from nearby areas in the hours leading up to them. These cars are often left damaged following the joyrides, with some being written off entirely.

In other instances, the cars are simply left abandoned by the roadside or in an estate several miles away, with owners spending days or weeks trying to track them down.

Last night, several reports were made to Cllr Peter Horgan, who represents Cork South-Central, concerning groups of people wandering through estates tampering with cars. The Labour councillor shared a warning to residents, urging them to lock their cars and front doors.

Cllr Horgan said: “It’s a miserable rainy evening, but yet I’m still getting reports of cars being tampered with and checked this evening.

“Lock your vehicles, check your front door. Even if you’re still up watching TV or in your home, check your property’s security and if you see anything suspicious, contact Gardaí directly on 999”

These thieves often target imported cars that don’t come with an immobiliser fitted as standard, making them easier to steal – and with thefts on the rise in recent years, preventive measures are more important than ever.

The latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that as of Q1 2026, there were 7,347 vehicle thefts and related offences recorded in a 12-month period. While it represents a slight decrease year-on-year, the number of recorded thefts has almost doubled since 2021

When thefts peaked in 2024, Gardaí released guidance on how everyday motorists can help keep their vehicles safe, which you can find below:

Garda advice

Vehicle Immobilisers:

Since 1998, immobilisers have been installed in all new vehicles for sale in the EU. Immobilisers work by restricting an essential component of the engine unless the correct key is used to try to start the vehicle. Some imported models do not have these fitted as standard, and they are often targeted by thieves.

If you have an older vehicle or one that comes without an immobiliser as standard, Gardaí recommend having one retrofitted.

Steering wheel locks and wheel clamps

Steering wheel locks work by locking onto the steering wheel, preventing it from being turned. They also act as a visual deterrent, as most are yellow and clearly visible from outside the vehicle. External wheel locks or clamps can also be fitted to the vehicle’s wheels, along with handbrake locks, gear stick locks, and pedal locks, which often have an additional alarm function.

All these items act as a deterrent and can make your vehicle less attractive to a thief.

Keyless Entry:

Many modern vehicles utilise a keyless entry system. They work by sending a signal between the key and the vehicle. Relay signal theft can occur when the key signal is mimicked and used to gain entry to a vehicle.

To prevent the key signal from being transmitted when away from the vehicle, the key can be placed in a Faraday bag, box, or even a biscuit tin for storage.

By doing so, these items restrict the radio signal from being emitted from the key and reduce the risk of it being copied.

General vehicle safety advice

  • Buyers should check the security features of their vehicles and make decisions relating to augmenting security
  • A visible steering wheel lock or chain should be considered
  • Leave expensive property at home or work if not required
  • If you must leave valuables in a vehicle, do not leave them on display. A good idea is to leave an empty glove box open, showing would-be criminals that there is nothing for them to steal.
  • Lock doors and fully close windows – don’t be tempted to leave the windows slightly open.
  • Fit an alarm
  • Fit an Immobiliser or use a physical lock
  • Install a tracker
  • Use a catalytic converter lock
  • Park under streetlights or in a secure car park
  • Park where there is CCTV, when possible
  • Fit theft-resistant number plate fittings