Gardaí have issued a warning over an increase in car theft last year.

More than 4,000 vehicles were reported stolen - a 52 per cent increase on 2021.

Car thefts were also up when compared to pre-pandemic times - at 17 per cent higher in 2022 than in 2019.

Garda National Crime Prevention Office, Sergeant Mark Bolger, says many vehicles do not have a fully-fitted alarm system or immobiliser....