Dublin residents are being warned about as many as seven thugs who are roaming southside streets targeting houses in early morning thefts as we approach the Christmas period.
There has been an increase in "unusual activity" in the Palmerstown area with seven men targeting homeowners in 24 hours of terror for the area.
On Saturday night at 2:30am, two men were spotted around the back of houses in the village trying doors for potential entries.
While on Sunday night at 1:30am, three armed thieves with screwdrivers were caught on camera trying to steal bikes in Palmerstown Court.
It is understood that one of the thugs entered via the graveyard car park while two others kept watch.
And just an hour later in Riverside Drive, two males were spotted checking car doors in the area for several hours.
A neighbourhood watch message sent around to locals urged people to keep their doors and possessions locked away over the festive period.
It said: "Please be vigilant. Make sure your car is locked and valuables have been removed.
"If you have a house alarm, use it and if you see anyone creeping about, call 999."
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