By Sean Murphy
A DAYLIGHT robbery of a female driver when she was parked in traffic has prompted warnings for motorists to beware of callous thieves.
Anyone who leaves their car windows or doors open could have expensive mobile phones or handbags stolen, it is claimed.
It follows the assault of a woman who had an undisclosed amount of money stolen from her while she was stopped at traffic lights in Letterkenny last week.
It is understood that her ruthless attacker brazenly grabbed open the car door and carried out the shocking mugging– at 11.40am on a public road.
The chairman of Donegal’s Local Community Safety Partnership, Cllr Gerry McMonagle told the Donegal News: “We’re having good weather, summer is coming, people like to have a window down – but that’s when someone can stick their hand in your car and steal your expensive phone from your dashboard holder.”
Gardaí are investigating the attack that was carried out by a woman at a busy junction on Justice Walsh Road, near Upper Main Street in Letterkenny, last Thursday morning, April 30.
Motorists have now been warned to take measures to increase their security and protect their belongings.
Cllr McMonagle added: “This attack is hard to believe.
“Drivers have to be careful – do not give a thief a chance, put valuables out of sight.
“Mobile phones are expensive pieces of apparatus. People should beware and be vigilant, especially women who leave their handbags on the car seat.
“This type of attack used to happen in Dublin years ago. Many modern car doors lock automatically, but some do not.
“This was probably more opportunistic than a deliberate, targeted attack. But it had to be very scary.
“I drove that road myself and thought about this attack and the poor victim.
“That she was attacked and robbed like this is astounding.”
Gardai appealed for witnesses, while Cllr McMonagle urged anyone with information to come forward.
Cllr McMonagle said: “Someone must’ve witnessed this. Anyone with knowledge of the attacker should contact gardai.
“It was a female attacker. Someone must know her. She probably fled on foot, so someone likely saw her walk away.
“I hope the lady who was robbed makes a full recovery.”