GARDAI issued warnings after two cars were stolen and several others were broken into.
A Toyota Aqua and a Toyota Vitz were stolen in Letterkenny town centre on October 28.
Both cars were recovered later that day and had been damaged.
A Garda spokesperson said: “Two male youths were arrested on that date after being stopped by gardaí in one of the stolen cars.
“A number of attempted thefts of similar types of cars occurred within Letterkenny between October 27 and November 1.
“In each instance, a window was smashed and the ignition was tampered with.”
CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE
She added: “In light of these recent incidents, we wish to issue some crime prevention advice for car owners.
“Many second-hand car imports do not have a fully fitted car alarm system or are without a fitted immobiliser.
“This makes them extra vulnerable to hot-wiring.
“Cars imported from international markets are not automatically manufactured with the same security features as cars manufactured for the European market.
“We urge buyers and owners of vehicles to confirm the security features of import vehicles, especially to check if there is an in-built immobiliser and to consider additional security options.
“Buyers should check the security features of their vehicles and make decisions relating to augmenting security.
“For cars without an immobiliser, an additional steering wheel lock or chain should be considered.”
General vehicle security advice is:
- Never leave your key in the carignition even for a short period.
- Lock doors and fully close windows.
- Fit an alarm.
- Retrofit an Immobiliser or use a physical lock.
- Install a tracker.
- Use physical security features such as a steering wheel lock and catalytic converter lock.
- Park where there is CCTV when possible and in lit up areas.
- Always report any suspicious activity you observe around parked cars to Gardaí immediately.