Call for vigilance after tools stolen from vans in Monksland and Moate

Gardai in Athlone are investigating three similar thefts of industrial tools from vans in Monksland and Moate.

The incidents took place on Friday last, and in each case two holes were drilled into a door of the van to make it easier for the culprits to gain entry and steal the tools inside.

Sergeant Andrew Haran said one of the thefts took place "at tea time on Friday" in car park of the Athlone Springs hotel in Monksland, and the two other thefts occurred at a housing estate in Moate on the same day.

He said a black Vokswagen Passat was seen acting suspiciously near the scene of one of the thefts, and he asked the public, and van owners in particular, to be careful about where they're leaving their vehicles.

"We are asking people to be vigilant and to phone us if they have any concerns about the movement of a car, a van, or anybody in their area," he said.

Athlone Garda Station can be contacted on 09064 98550.