A suspected armed Dublin gang have been targeting and terrorising homes in a neighbouring county as owners are warned to remain vigilant.
The gang, who have fled several break-in scenes in a silver Audi, are targeting vans in Meath and are understood to be searching for power tools and cash.
Just over 20km across the Dublin border, the group broke into a van in Dunshaughlin.
One eye-witness claimed that the thieves were masked up and were using crowbars during the incident.
A warning text was sent around which suggested that the gang could be coming in from the capital and urged people to "be careful and anyone with a van to take their tools out for the night".
And now Gardai in Trim have confirmed that they are investigating a spate of similar incidents.
Officers in the Meath village said that there had been a "number of thefts" at a hotel in the area.
Two vans were broken into and as many as four men were spotted getting into a silver Audi Estate after the theft.
A spokesman said: "Trim Gardaí are investigating a number of thefts at Hattons Garadice at 9.20pm.
"Two vans were broken into and 4 males were spotted getting into a Silver Audi Estate.
"Any sightings please contact Gardaí on 046-9431222."
