The people of Stradbally are being urged to look after their homes and their elderly neighbours following a wave of robberies in the town in recent weeks.
The first burglary occurred two weeks ago at a premises on the Athy Road.
While the homeowners slept, the tyres from their car were stolen from in front of their house.
Then last week, Gardai were called to a house on Main Street in Stradbally where entry was gained through a rear window and a quantity of jewellery was taken.
It was a similar story in The Glebe housing estate where one residence there was also broken into.
The most recent incident happened yesterday evening – and this is probably the most shocking of them all as it took place during a family funeral.
The family in question returned to their home in Church Avenue to discover the front door had been kicked in.
Local Councillor Paschal McEvoy has urged people to be vigilant.
He said: “It is absolutely disgraceful what is going on at the moment.
“The damage that is being done here is severe. Aside from the physical damage to people’s homes, there is also the physiological element.
“When this happens to older people, they are really knocked around by it. Some of them are afraid to return home and it robs them of their independence.
“It is very important that people are aware of this and try to take steps to prevent it happening.
“I would call on neighbours to regularly check in on one another, especially the older people.
“I would advise people to lock their doors at all times, even when they are in their homes.
“This is going on all over the country at the moment and it is simply unacceptable. I would also call on anyone who sees anything they think is suspicious, to contact the gardai immediately.”
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