Motorway crime gangs have staged a return after the pandemic.
New figures show a massive increase in the number of gang thefts in Dublin and counties directly connected to the capital by road.
A crime analysis by the Irish Independent shows counties in the north-west have the lowest break-in rates, while some counties have seen break-ins double in recent months.
There's also a fear that gangs will start targeting empty homes, while owners go on holiday abroad this year.
