There are not enough youth detention spaces to combat a surge in car thefts across Cork.
Gardaí are appealing to the public to lock their cars as a group of young people continue to target cars in housing estates across city.
Cork City Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Michael O'Connell told RedFM News the thieves get out quickly and strike again due to overcrowding in youth detention centres:
"They have been very successful in charging these individuals, they have been charged and have appeared in court but unfortunately they do get out very quickly. We are appealing to people to lock their cars when they get home in the evening."
