Gardai in south Dublin are asking people to be extra vigilant if they suspect stolen items are being sold in their area. The warning comes as officers investigate a recent spate of burglaries in some of the most wealthy areas.

The number of armed patrols are on the increase in one part of the city following an increase in the number of burglaries. Garda units have been mobilised in a bid to crackdown on crime gangs in Dalkey, Killiney, Ballybrack and Dun Laoghaire.

The operation is based on a mapping system where break-ins are reported and a garda spokesman says the deployment of resources is a matter for individual districts and is not based on socio-economic factors.

It involves undercover officers and the Emergency Response Unit.

In warmer weather, most burglars gain entry through unsecured doors or windows, with jewellery being one of the most popular items taken.

Elsewhere in the city, a wave of burglaries in Stillorgan has led to posters cropping up advising locals to arm themselves with hurls or golf clubs to fight off robbers.

Gardai have warned people to ignore this call - and instead take steps to ensure their home or business is secure.

Advice on how to do so is available at the garda website and any suspicious activity in your area should be reported to your local garda station.

Sergeant Kelvin Courtney from the National Crime Prevention Unit says people should keep an eye out for anyone trying to get rid of suspected stolen goods.