Gardai have issued a warning to homeowners to be particularly mindful when leaving their homes to attend Mass at weekends. It follows three break-ins at such times over the weekend at houses in Mitchelstown, Kildorrery and Ballyhooly which they believe to be connected.

The break-in at the Ballyhooly house occurred on Saturday evening between 7 and 8pm. A rear door was forced to gain entry. The house alarm was activated disturbing the burglars.

A back window was forced in the break-in at the house on the Limerick Road in Kildorrery as was the case at the residence in Gortnasna in Mitchelstown. Both of those break-ins occurred between 8 and 9pm on Saturday night.

Nothing was taken in any of the incidents, leading Gardai to believe the culprits were looking for specific items.