Aggravated Burglary at The Presbytery, Caherlistrane, Co Galway on the 22/3/13

The Gardaí at Tuam are investigating an aggravated burglary that occurred on the evening of Friday 22nd March last, at the parochial house at Caherlistrane, Co Galway.

It was the evening of the Ireland versus Sweden World Cup qualifier and the parish priest was at home watching it on television. During the game he heard a commotion outside his house. When the priest went out to check on the noise he was confronted by four men in balaclavas. One of the raiders was armed with a metal bar and he threatened the priest before he and another raider pushed the priest back into the sitting room while the other two raiders searched the house. The raider with the iron bar was very agitated and kept demanding gold.

They searched the priest’s jacket and he emptied his pockets, giving them a small amount of cash. The raiders demanded to know where the safe was kept. The priest brought them to the safe in the house. The safe was empty as it was not in use. They pushed the priest into the kitchen where they threatened him again. They then brought him back to the sitting room where he was thrown to the ground. They demanded he hand over his mobile phone and when they discovered his wallet they took all the cash from it and then tied him up.

When the raiders could find nothing else in the house, they left, but the raider in the blue shirt went back into the room and threatened the priest again. After a time the priest made his way to a neighbour’s house where he raised the alarm.

Description of Raiders:

1. Male, medium stocky build, approx 5’10”, had a Cork accent wearing a black balaclava / Ski Mask Type and a blue tracksuit top – (This male appeared to be in charge, he did all the talking).

2. Male, thin build, dressed in black, possibly early twenties.

He was carrying a metal object.

All males were wearing gloves and balaclavas

3/4 No description

Appeal:

• On the night of Friday the 22nd March 2013 – bearing in mind Ireland were playing Sweden did you see anything or anyone of note in the immediate vicinity of the scene of this crime at Caherlistrane, Headford, Co. Galway.

• On the evening of the 22nd of March 2013, or the days preceding it did you see any cars or other type of transport which you thought unusual