Gardaí at Balbriggan have launched an investigation following the abduction of the spouse of a bank official from her home in Hacketstown, Skerries, Co. Dublin.
Shortly after 8 a.m. this morning (Thursday, 22 April 2010) two males came to the front door of the house and took the woman away in a car. The men demanded that the bank official hand over a sum of money to them.
During the course of the morning, Gardaí became aware of the incident and a comprehensive response team was put in place involving both local and national units.
At about 1 p.m. today, the woman was released. She did not receive any physical injuries. No money was handed over.
Gardaí are appealing for information from the public on any activity which they might have seen in the following areas:
Hacketstown, Skerries, Co. Dublin from early this morning, in the last ten days and, in particular, on Monday 12 April last in the late evening when a car was seen parked in the area;
Any suspicious activity in the vicinity of the Bank of Ireland, Raheny this morning or in the last few days;
Sheepgrange, Slane Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth where the woman was released at lunchtime today.
Gardaí are also appealing for information on a silver Ford Focus hatchback car which was found burnt out at the back entrance to the quarry at Mullachrone, Donore, Co. Louth.
There were at least two males involved in this incident. Both appeared young, possibly in their twenties, and had strong Dublin accents. One male wore a high visibility jacket and was carrying a clipboard.
Both the bank official and his wife have been through a traumatic experience and while we appreciate any assistance that media can give us in appealing for information on this crime, we would ask that they respect the privacy of the individuals involved as far as possible.
An incident room has been set up at Balbriggan Garda Station and anyone with information is asked to contact Gardai on 01-8020510 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.
Garda Press Office.
