Laois Community Alert group warns public to be on guard for Christmas thieves

Laois Community Alert has urged people to take extra security precautions as Christmas approaches in the wake of car break-ins in Emo.

The Alert group reported that five cars had windows smashed in early Friday night in Emo. A number of items stolen from cars. The alert group urged anyone who may have information on these crimes to contact Portlaoise Gardai.

"There has been a big increase in smash and grab incidents in Laois. Please do not leave valuable items on display. As the Christmas rush begins around the country, please take note of what you have on display in your car every time you park up," said a post on the group's facebook account.