![\"CCTV](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/2_CaptureJPG.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAlarm raised as thefts on the rise<\/p>\n
18:11, 30 Oct 2026Updated 19:54, 30 Oct 2026<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
CCTV footage of thieves searching through a jeep in Glenville, near Watergrasshill, earlier this year<\/p>\n
They move quickly without making a sound – stealing<\/a> vehicles with tech that lets them open locked car doors. And this ‘organised gang’ is highly persistent, prowling outside properties<\/a> night after night until they get what they came for.<\/p>\n That’s according to Cork Councillor Peter O’Donoghue, who is raising the alarm following a rise in car theft reports across North Cork<\/a>. The Fermoy representative is warning of one “professional” criminal group targeting family homes in the area, often focusing on rural or isolated properties.<\/p>\n Speaking to Cork Beo, Cllr. O’Donoghue said that he has spoken to mechanics about the issue, and believes these crooks are carrying out keyless car thefts. This is also known as ‘key hacking,’ which lets thieves access and start vehicles without forcing entry.<\/p>\n This is done by using devices that detect signals from keyless entry systems, such as car fobs. These fobs have become more prominent in Ireland in recent years, and vehicle owners can use them to unlock doors and start a vehicle when within range. Usually, systems like this don’t cause any issues, as they need to be quite close to a car to work.<\/p>\n But if the signal’s range is extended, a car can be opened even if the fob is stowed inside a home. Thieves are able to use devices that pick up signals from fobs – from behind windows and closed doors – and boost them to trick a car in a driveway into unlocking and starting.<\/p>\n Cllr. O’Donoghue said there have been a number of thefts in the Watergrasshill and Mitchelstown areas recently, which he believes were carried out using key hacking. He shared one frightening story of a mother who saw a crook’s face peering through the window of her home – but thought afterwards she was just seeing things.<\/p>\n He said: “She was up late at night, and she thought she saw a face in the window. She got a fright of course, but thought she was imagining it. She told her husband and later they checked CCTV and saw there was a very tall man looking in through the window.<\/p>\n “He was there six nights at least, but that was only as far back as CCTV went. He was very interested in the car, was very professional, wasn’t nervous or anything. At one stage the lady went out the door, and he was within four feet of her.”<\/p>\n Cllr. O’Donoghue told Cork Beo that the man seemed to be holding a device up against the window, as if he were trying to get their car fob’s signal and key hack the family’s vehicle.<\/p>\n Cllr. O’Donoghue said that he has raised the recent thefts with the Garda Chief Superintendent in Co. Cork, and officers are investigating reports.<\/p>\n The wider Watergrasshill area had similar issues with what appeared to be another organised gang earlier this year. This group was caught on CCTV<\/a> jumping garden walls, trying to open vehicles and rummaging around unlocked cars.<\/p>\n The issues got so bad that Garda\u00ed organised a special meeting for local communities<\/a>, to spread awareness and listen to concerns.<\/p>\n But North Cork isn’t the only area being hit by car thefts in recent weeks. Stolen vehicles have also been reported in Cork city, Carrigaline, Kinsale and more as prowlers start to lurk<\/a> while the nights get longer.<\/p>\n Cork homeowners are being urged to take all the basic steps to secure their vehicles before going to sleep at night. This includes making sure both your front door and your vehicle are locked, and always reporting any suspicious activity outside your home to Garda\u00ed.<\/p>\n Previously, Garda\u00ed also outlined a few cheap and easy ways to keep your car protected even if you do use a car key fob. These include:<\/p>\n Store car keys and spare keys in a signal-blocking (Faraday) pouch.Keep keys away from doors, windows, and letterboxes inside the home.Always lock your vehicle and double-check it is secure. Check telltale signs like windows being fully closed, lights flashing, and wing mirrors folding in.Park in a well-lit area, ideally off-street where possible.Ensure your vehicle\u2019s software is kept up to date (local dealership\/service centre can help).Avoid leaving spare keys in or near the vehicle.<\/p>\n