Gardaí are appealing for information in connection with a burglary which occurred at Gorteyard, Carndonagh between 11:30pm on Tuesday last and 8:30am the following morning.
An unlocked garage to the rear of a house in that area was entered between those times. A quad within the shed had been pushed from the rear of the garage as far as the roller door and an attempt was then made to open the roller door.
Gardaí say the quad was not stolen as the theft attempt appears to have been abandoned. A van which had been parked at the front of the garage blocking the roller door had also been pushed out of the way.
A second unlocked shed on the property was also entered but nothing was stolen from it either.
They have made an appeal to anyone who may have observed any type of suspicious activity, people or vehicles in that area between those times, to get in touch with Gardaí in Buncrana.
Gardaí have issued safety advice for quad owners:
- Keep your quad out of sight from the road as thieves will often survey properties looking for vehicles.
- Keep gates to your yards closed, as open gates can be an open invitation to thieves. Lock sheds or garage doors at night using a heavy-duty padlock, hasp & staple or chain.
- When leaving a quad overnight, a bespoke quad drive-on security device, which clamps around the wheel and is secured to a concrete floor, is a great solution. Use locks and ground anchors with a high attack rating as another option.
- The use of a tracking system can notify the owner if the quad is being interfered with or moved, allowing for a prompt response to either prevent the theft or to detain an offender.
- Fitting outside security lights controlled by an automatic time-switch or infra-red beams that react to heat or movement can also help, and if the outbuilding or shed is remote with no mains power, people should consider using a battery-operated GSM mobile alert system and camera which can alert you to suspicious activity.
- Marking vehicles is an effective, visible deterrent to thieves and an established method of reducing theft.
- Never leave your keys in the ignition, even if you only leave your quad bike unattended for a brief time.
- Insurance is highly recommended for theft and damage.
