Gardaí at Ashbourne Garda Station are investigating an aggravated burglary that occurred Sunday 17th March 2019 on Cedar Road.
At approximately 9pm two suspects gained entry to a family home on Cedar road where a young family were at home being looked after by their grandparents.
The grandmother was having dinner downstairs in the kitchen, her husband was lying down in a bedroom upstairs, while the two children where in their bedrooms.
One of the suspects gained entry through an upstairs window where he was seen by one of the children who screamed and alerted his grandfather who came out of his bedroom and was confronted by the suspect who produced a weapon and struck the grandfather on the head. A struggle ensued between them before the suspect fled followed shortly by the second suspect.
The two suspects were seen making their getaway in a dark coloured car similar to a VW Golf or a Mazda 3 hatchback.
Appeal:
- Gardaí are appealing to anyone in the area on that Sunday evening (St. Patrick’s Day) who may have seen suspects in the Cedar area to come forward. The suspects used a ladder to gain entry to the upstairs window, the ladder did not belong to the owners of the house, Gardaí believe the suspects may have left the ladder in a green area at the rear of the house and are appealing to anyone who may have seen to come forward.
- Gardaí believe the suspects made their getaway in a dark coloured car, possibly a VW Golf or a Mazda 3 Hatchback car and are appealing to anyone who may have seen this car in the area before this incident to come forward.
Ashbourne Garda Station on 01 8010600
On this month’s Crimecall Sergeant Graham Kavanagh was in studio to offer advice and tips to members of the public in relation to the EU Focus Day on Domestic Burglaries which occurred on Wednesday June 19th. Sergeant Kavanagh discussed the relevant information listed below and offered advice and tips to the public on how best to keep their personal belonging and property safe.
• 1 in 4 residential burglaries in the summer involved entry through an unsecured door or window
• Half of all burglaries occur between midnight and 8am
• Around €6.4 million worth of goods and cash was stolen last summer in residential burglaries.
• There was a 32% increase in property being stolen from sheds, domestic garages, driveways and gardens in the summer than the winter.
Whilst burglary rates have been falling, particularly in winter months, we cannot be complacent.
Sergeant Kavanagh advised home owners to secure their properties during the summer months, where one in four burglars enter the property through an open door or window. Thefts of tools, equipment and bicycles increase by a third during the summer. An unlocked shed or unsecured bike are easy targets for the burglar.
"Remember to make your home look occupied, particularly if you intend to be away for an extended period. Once your home is locked and alarmed, ask a neighbour to regularly check your property, use timer switches or apps to turn on lights, cancel deliveries, tidy the garden and watch what you post on social media. Keep the surprises for your holiday and not when you return.”
Sergeant Kavangh also offered Crime Prevention advice in relation to accommodation fraud:
Accommodation Fraud
Approximately 120 reports of Accommodation Fraud in the first 5 months of 2019 – some related to Irish citizens renting holiday apartments but the vast majority relate to incidents in Ireland
There has been an increase in May 2019, during which almost 40 cases being reported
Accommodation Fraud is where the victim pays money to rent a property that does not exist, or exists but is not up for rent, or the victim makes a hotel or guest house reservation only to find that hotel/guesthouse does not exist or that the no reservation was made.
A property is advertised for rent, and the potential tenant pays a deposit or 1st month’s rent in advance, typically without actually seeing or visiting the property.
Photographs of the property on line are false.
Address of the property is advertised, but it may not exist at all – check the Eircode.
The fraudster is living in the property and shows a number of people the property, gets a deposit from several people and then disappears with the money.
In other cases, the transaction appears normal until the renter finds that the keys do not work and the landlord has disappeared.
Red Flags
Owner of the property is unable to meet with the renter to show the house – often claiming that they had to move abroad at short notice and want to rent their home while they are away.
The owner puts pressure on the renter to pay a deposit in advance, before meeting or viewing the property
The owner asks for a deposit in advance and provides a bank account for a bank located outside Ireland.
How to protect yourself
Do not transfer money online until you are 100% certain that the receiver is genuine
Do not pay a deposit, until you have met the owner and viewed the house
If transferring to a bank account, do an IBAN validation check to see determine the Bank and the branch location.
Make your own enquiries - do not rely on information provided by the owner of the house, their website or other information they supply online – do not rely on referees the owner recommends to you
Be wary of persons seeking money in advance via money transfer services
Use reputable websites and agents
Gardaí at Blackrock Garda Station are investigating a burglary that occurred on Tuesday 7th May 2019 at approximately 3.30pm. A teenage boy was at home when he heard banging from the front of his house. He walked into the hallway and saw a man standing there, this man exited the hall and spoke to a second man who was standing in the porch. Both men fled in a dark coloured Seat Leon car, possibly a 2007-2011 model.
Blackrock 01 6665200
Gardaí at Baltinglass Garda Station are investigating a theft from the person incident that occurred on Thursday 21st February 2019 at approximately 12.20pm in Grangecon, Co. Wicklow.
The victim was approached by a male who produced a sum of cash, he asked the victim who is an elderly man, if he was missing any money. The victim took out his wallet to check and the suspect grabbed it from him. He ran towards a grey coloured car.
A detailed EVOFIT was compiled of the suspect who is described as between twenty five to thirty years old, 175cm in height (5”9”) of medium build. He was clean shaven, with dark coloured hair and was wearing a “golfers” baseball cap and anorak.
Baltinglass 045 857620
In the early hours of Sunday the 26th June 2011, 20 year old Fintan Traynor was walking home after a night out in Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan. At Lemgare, Clontibret, Co. Monaghan he was struck by a vehicle and was fatally injured. The driver of the offending vehicle failed to stop and fled the scene.
The Lemgare Road is a quiet country road, little used by passing traffic. This is the 8th Anniversary of Fintan’s death and An Garda Síochána are renewing their appeal for information concerning this fatal hit and run.
Past appeals have centred on an old model Audi A4 – 1995 to 2001 model – which was believed to be the type of vehicle involved in the collision. The front lower portion of the grille of such a vehicle was located at the scene of the collision. Despite an extensive investigation that has been carried out, this vehicle or driver have not been located to date.
We would like to thank the members of the public who have provided assistance to the investigation over the past 8 years, and we are seeking further assistance in locating the vehicle and driver involved. In 8 years loyalties, friendships and relationships change and perhaps someone that felt unable to come forward previously is now in a position to provide the investigation team with the vital information that would locate the vehicle and driver.
Crimestoppers have provided a reward for information in this regard which leads to the recovery of the vehicle and identification and prosecution of the driver.
Any person with information is urged to contact Monaghan Garda Station at 047 77200, Crimestoppers at 1800 25 00 25, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
The Garda National Vetting Bureau process over half a million vetting applications each year from over 24,500 relevant organisations. The Bureau processes on average 46,000 vetting applications every month and out of those, 4% contain criminal records or specified information which the GNVB discloses to the relevant organisations.
Working with relevant organisations, such as those in the healthcare, sports, education and voluntary sectors, GNVB assist these organisations by disclosing information which enables them to make safer recruitment decisions and crucially helps keep children and vulnerable persons safe.
The bureau’s new Vetting Compliance Unit reviews and inspects relevant organisations to make sure they are only vetting the right people.
The Gardaí at Dundrum Garda Station are investigating the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of fifty five year old Gerard Taylor who is missing from his home since Saturday 25th May 2019.
Gerard left his home in Sandyford on Saturday morning, he was last seen at 11am walking up Kellystown Road past Taylor’s Three Rock Public House.
Gerard is described as six foot tall of medium build with grey hair and blue eyes.
When last seen he was wearing a navy blue sports cap, a black Regatta jacket, green chino trousers, casual navy flat trainers with a white sole and white stripes on the side.
Gerard’s family are extremely concerned for his safety and wellbeing.
Dundrum Garda Station 01 666 5600
Gardaí at Santry Garda Station are investigating the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of missing person, forty one year old Jon Jonsson who has not been seen since Saturday 9th February 2019.
Jon, originally from Iceland, travelled to Ireland on Friday 8th and checked into the Bonnington Hotel where a poker tournament was taking place. Jon was joined by his partner on the Saturday who was also attending the tournament. Jon’s partner left their bedroom on Saturday morning to get a coffee followed shortly by Jon, who was captured on the hotel’s CCTV in the lobby. Jon left the hotel and walked onto the Swords road in the direction of the Airport. Jon left his passport and phone behind in the hotel room.
A number of extensive searches have been carried out and Jon’s photograph has been circulated in the media. His partner, family and friends are extremely concerned for his safety and wellbeing and are appealing to the public for their assistance.
Appeal:
- Jon Jonsson was last seen on the Swords Road close to the junction with Collins Avenue at 11.07am on 09/02/2019. It is out of character for Mr Jonsson to go missing like this. He is a family man with young children back at home in Iceland. His family are very concerned for his welfare.
- Appeal to anyone who was in the area of Swords Road/Collins Avenue at that time that may have seen Mr Jonsson.
- Appeal to anyone in the transport industry who may have provided transport for Mr Jonsson.
- Mr Jonsson is known to frequent Casinos, we appeal to anyone who may have seen Mr Jonsson at a casino
- Appeal to any persons who provide accommodation in Dublin Hotels/B&B’s, have they seen Mr Jonsson
- Appeal to any land owners close to the area where Mr Jonsson went missing.
- Appeal to anyone at the Bonnington Hotel where Mr Jonsson was staying to contact us if they came into contact with Mr Jonsson on the night of 8th Feb and morning of 9th Feb to contact us.
Santry Garda Station on 01 666 4000
Gardaí at Tallaght Garda Station are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting of twenty-seven-year-old Robert Delaney who was shot and seriously injured on the 22nd October 2008 at his house in Russell Rise estate.
On the morning of the 22nd October, Robert, a father of two, heard a knock at his front door. He looked out the kitchen window and a man fired a shot towards Robert hitting him in the head. Robert was seriously injured and remains in a serious condition in the Beamount Hospital.
Roberts Parents, Terry and Noeleen, his sister Sinead and his daughter Meghan appeal to the public for their assistance with the investigation and encourage those with information to come forward now.
Appeal:
Gardaí in Tallaght are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen either:
- Suspicious activity in the Russell Rise estate on the evening of 21/10/08 and the morning of the 22/10/08.
- An unregistered white Honda Integra car (with no number plates) that was stolen on the evening of the 21st October from a garage on the Naas Road and subsequently located at Montpelier estate in Tallaght.
- Any sightings related to the above car, or any information relating to the shooting.
- Given the passage of time and the possibility that associations / relationships may have changed Gardaí are appealing to those with information and to come forward at the time to do so now.
Tallaght Garda Station 01 6666000
Gardaí at Ashbourne Garda Station continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the double murder of William Maughan and Anna Varslavane who were reported missing on Tuesday the 14th April 2015.
William and Anna had been together since 2014 and lived in a caravan in Gormanston, Co. Meath. William had decided to return to his family home in Tallaght with Anna. His mother and father, Helen & Joe, were making arrangements for their return. On that Tuesday morning William went to Balbriggan followed shortly afterwards by Anastasija. They ran some errands and made contact with William’s mother Helen to arrange for her to travel from Tallaght to Gormanston to collect them and their belongings.
William spoke to his mother at about 2.30pm and asked her to make her way out to Gormanston to collect them. William and Anna got a taxi together from Balbriggan to Gormanston just shortly after 2.30pm. Helen arrived in Gormanston just before 3pm but could not locate William. She drove to Stamullen to look for him but didn’t find him. She returned to Gormanston and called his mobile phone but it went straight to message minder.
William and Anna never showed up and Helen became extremely worried. They were reported missing that evening.
An extensive investigation was launched with several searches and enquires carried out. The case was upgraded to a murder investigation following a review of the case.
Appeal:
- Gardaí are appealing to anyone with information in relation to the murder of William and Anna to come forward no matter how small or insignificant they may feel it is.
- Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was in the Gormanston area on the afternoon of Tuesday the 14th April 2015 to come forward.
- Gardaí believe the answer to these Murders is in the area close to where they were last seen and appeal for people who may have already spoken to them but whom they believe have further information to offer to come forward now.
- This investigation is very much active and with new information being presented and actioned currently. Every effort is being made to detect these crimes and to locate the bodies in order for the families to give them a Christian burial.
Ashbourne Garda Station on 01 8010600
Gardaí at Clontarf Garda Station are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of eighteen year old Dylan Keogh who has been missing from his home since the 10th January 2019.
Dylan has no access to money or a phone. His family are extremely concerned for his safety. Dylan outlined to his family that he was going away for a week and not to worry. He has not returned and on leaving the house he took a black racer bicycle and a black puma school bag with clothes.
Gardaí attached to Clontarf Garda Station are investigating Dylan’s disappearance. As a result of their enquiries, there was a confirmed sighting of Dylan on the Clontarf Road on the 10th January 2019 at approximately 10:30pm.
The Investigation Team have now recovered Dylan’s bicycle which was located on Dollymount Beach (near the wooden bridge). This bicycle was found on the 14th January 2019.
Dylan’s black puma bag was also recovered on Dollymount Beach (near the wooden bridge) and was located on the 11th January 2019. The bag had been on the sand and in an area that the tide had come in.
When Dylan was last seen he was wearing a navy Bruce Lee overalls, black runners and a blue bandana on his head. His last known sighting was on the slipway on the Coast Road, Clontarf, opposite Dublin Bus. He had been in the water and the time was approximately 10pm.
Dylan Keogh frequented the Clontarf Area and would be known to people in this area. He would regularly cycle from Ballymun to this area and swim in the sea.
Appeal:
- Any person who spoke with Dylan during his visits to Clontarf (We would be looking to establish what he was at down here in case there were any other activities etc.).
- Any person who spoke or saw Dylan on 10th \ 11th January 2018, the days of his last known sightings.
Any person who observed Dylan’s bicycle on Dollymount Beach. - Any person who observed Dylan’s bag on Dollymount beach.
- Dylan’s flag has not been recovered and it was not in his bag. It is quiet distinctive and any person who may have seen it discarded anywhere.
- Where did Dylan travel to when he was last seen at the slip way. We know there were people walking in the area at the time and we also know that not everyone has come forward.
Clontarf 01 666 4800
On this month’s Crimecall Garda Derek Cloughley was in studio to discuss the current situation on our roads in terms of casualties. The coming summer months are a particularly high risk period, with many in holiday mode and visiting unfamiliar areas, schools and colleges are off, many visitors to the country and an increase of agricultural vehicles/motorcyclists and cyclists. Thirty-three people died on the roads during July, August and September last year
Derek highlighted some enforcement data and in particular speeding. He outlined that while there is nearly 100% compliance with the safety camera network some motorists continue to take risks. Derek had examples of non-compliance.
Safety message: "all road users to be aware of the care needed over the summer months. Collisions occur in a split second and can destroy lives, which is why we all need to concentrate 100% when we use the roads.”