Early last year the Gardai warned us that the downturn in the economy would result in an upturn in crime.

We have been informed of a number of burglaries in the area. In one incident, thieves got in through an upstairs window, while the owners were downstairs watching a DVD. The owners heard something and went upstairs; the thieves fled.

In another incident, the thieves climbed a ladder to disconnect the external alarm box.

St Mochta's Parish has been informed of a gang of burglars who are operating in the area and who specialise in daytime house burglaries.

Please keep your property secure, closing windows. Use your alarm when you are out during the day and also at night (most will have a mode that allows you move around inside the house without setting the alarm off).