Published: Wednesday, 3rd March, 2010 4:59pm

Sports grounds being targeted by thieves during training sessions

Gardai have warned local football clubs to be extra security aware during training sessions. This follows the theft of two cars from Skryne GAA grounds on Tuesday night of last week.

The two vehicles - a Volkswagen Golf and a Volkswagen Passat - were later recovered in the Rathfeigh area as the culprits were spotted by members of the football club who pursued them.

The incident occurred around 9.30pm on Tuesday night of last week when players at the training pitch across the road from the main GAA grounds and dressing rooms spotted the dressing rooms and cars being disturbed.

They were unable to get over in time but one club member who was already on the road was able to pursue them as Gardai were alerted.

The Golf was 2006-registered and the Passat was a 2007 model.

A full-scale Garda operation was put in place and the vehicles were recovered. It is anticipated that Gardai will prepare a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in relation to the thefts.

The incident has led to Gardai to warn those in charge of training sessions to be mindful of security and watchful of people in the vicinity of the training grounds.

This is not the first time such incidents have been reported - others in the region include a number in Louth as well as at the all-weather pitches in Kilmainhamwood.

Meath East TD Shane McEntee said he has been contacted by several constituents in recent weeks regarding a spate of opportunistic robberies in the area.

"Gangs are travelling around the area and stealing anything they can find, from cars to mobile phones to farming equipment. I would urge people to be extra vigilant and to take particular care when locking their cars and houses. Sports grounds seem to be targeted in particular so extra precautions should be taken. Do not leave car keys, phones or laptops in plain sight," he said.

"I am currently seeking an urgent meeting with the local Garda Chief Superintendent, Micheal Devine, in order to see what can be done to assist the Gardaí in this matter. If anyone has any information on any of these robberies, they should immediately contact the Gardaí."