Gardai have taken reports of 19 thefts in the east side of Galway City since January 1st from vehicles in the Ballybrit, Ballybane and Renmore general areas.

The types of items taken were cash, wallets, bags, documents, clothing, sunglasses, dash cams, electronic goods and a ladder off the roof of a van.

These thefts are occurring overnight in residential settings, and in approximately half of the incidents, the vehicles were unlocked.

Gardaí have issued the following advice for motorists in the areas:

When parking your vehicle try to pick busy, well-lit and secure areas.

If parking outside your home try to have the vehicle parked under a sensor light, public street light and CCTV if available.

Remove all property from your vehicle and consider leaving your glove box open showing that it is empty.

Lock your vehicle making sure all doors and windows are closed, and set your car alarm.

Remember not to leave property on view inside your car and remove any external property that may be stored on roof racks etc.

If you see anyone acting suspicious around any vehicle phone 999, do not ignore car alarms and report all thefts from cars to An Garda Síochána.