Is it safe in Ireland to see sites while your suitcases are in your car's trunk? We were visiting Windsor Castle in England 5 years ago. We were parked in a "secure" parking lot as we were traveling to another location for the night. When we returned to the car the passenger window had been smashed, the rear seat removed and our suitcases and 'treasures' were stollen from the trunk. (passports and airline tickets included) I ended up with only having what I was wearing left. I am hoping not to have a repeat of that ever again.

Just assume that you were very unlucky. In all my travels, I have never had anything stolen from my car, but I do leave the passenger area free of anything that might tempt thieves. I also would carry passport and other important papers with me at all times. When leasing a car, the agent has always insisted that I must <b>not&lt;b/&gt; leave the car registration in the car.</b>

Theft can happen anywhere though that does seem pretty unlucky at Windsor Castle. Michaels advice is good.

Bill

No it is not safe anywhere. Probably nothing will happen - but can you justify taking the chance? This is like hanging your purse on the back of the chair in an outdoor cafe - probably no one will take it - but if they do its only your own fault.

The only comment I would make is that in Ireland hire cars stand out for two main reasons. For some stupid reason hire company's stick a round yellow sticker with a black number 1 on the back window of the hire car. Also hire cars are nearly always issued without any wheel coverings (hub caps). To see a relatively new car with out any hub caps is unusual and does stick out.

So I suppose what I am saying is that normally you would not leave anything on show in your own car when parking in a city, but because your hire car will stick out, theives will probably have a go as they will suspect that there is probably something in the boot. So I wouldn't if I were you. On the other hand you could always take that stupid sticker of the back window!?!?!

P

Never leave valuables in the car for long. Especially where people can see them. My partner is forever giving out because I leave a newspaper in the back of the car. Put everything in the trunk. In the tourist areas around the country you should be fine if for example you are driving through Kilkenny and want to stop and see the castle. Do NOT leave valuables in the cars overnight especially in cities.

Just make sure all items are not on view and you will not attract attention with the car.

This is why I keep my passport and airline tickets (back in the days of tickets) in my money belt.

I am not sure what you mean by &quot;secure&quot; parking lot, but there really is not such a thing. Just lock the car and hope for the best.

I do try to disgusie the &quot;rental car&quot; side. I either remove thier sticker or buy a local sticker and stick it on top of thier's. Avis gave me a hard time once, but... they got over it.