Gardaí issues car theft appeals 

It was a busy bank holiday weekend for Waterford Gardaí due to a series of criminal damage incidents in Waterford City Centre.

A number of car-related crimes occurred last week, An Garda Síochána has revealed, including the theft of a car from outside a retail unit on the Cork Road. The car was stolen last Monday at midday in broad daylight after the rear passenger door window smashed. The car was found the next day in Kilmacthomas following a call from an off-duty Garda and has been returned to its rightful owner.

A series of cars were broken into in the city centre on Tuesday, with windows being smashed to steal the contents of the cars in question. The thefts, the Gardaí have said, took place in the city centre Hyper Centre and Spring Garden Alley.

There was also a failed attempt to steal one of the vehicles. The Gardái have made a number of arrests against individuals in relation to these crimes, with charges being prepared for the offences.

"There are a number of other criminal damage incidents that occurred in the Williamstown area of the city on Wednesday 23nd Oct and we are looking for public help," a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said and have asked for anyone who was in the area and observed anything relevant to contact Unit B at Waterford Garda Station.

The first incident was at the Radio Centre, a car window was smashed at night on October 23, at some time between 8.45 pm and 9.10 pm. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) of the offence has been located and is subject to an active Garda investigation.

An unnamed group of youths is being investigated for setting fire to the bins and a pallet from Williamstown Community Child Care Centre shortly after the radio centre incident. The fire was started at 9.35 pm according to CCTV has been obtained showing a group of young people who moved the bins over a wall before setting them alight.

An Garda Síochána has asked the public to contact them if they see crimes being committed by phoning 112/999. It is also possible to use the Garda Confidential Line at (1800 666 111).