Criminals are everywhere, said Sergeant Ber Leetch, crime prevention officer based in Henry Street garda station.
One example the sergeant gave was of an elderly woman asleep in hospital.
"A woman in her sixties was in University Hospital Limerick. She had some cash in the pocket of her jacket while she was in the emergency department. This was stolen from her when she fell asleep," said Sgt Leetch.
Criminals are everywhere and "always looking for a chance to steal from us", she said.
"Do not give them the chance. Keep your cash, bankcards and phone on your person at all times," advised Sgt Leetch.
Subscribe or register today to discover more from DonegalLive.ie
Buy the e-paper of the Donegal Democrat, Donegal People's Press, Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles.
Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm.