Commissioner Drew Harris was in studio to update the public on the latest COVID-19 issues relative to policing in Ireland. The Commissioner offered advice and reassurance to the public on a wide range of topics effecting their daily lives as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions.
Commissioner Harris spoke about the recommencement of Operation Fanacht that began at 7am on Monday morning (24/4/20), which will see over 2,500 members of An Garda Síochána carry out check points across the country up until Monday 4th of May.
Commissioner Harris told the public that An Garda Síochána will continue to Engage, Explain and Encourage the public to adhere to the lockdown restrictions, reaffirming that the vast majority of the public are complying with restrictions but that AGS will make enforcements when necessary.
Commissioner Harris reassured the public that An Garda Síochána are still active in communities for any needs that may arise during the pandemic and will continue to police the nation and prevent and detect crime.
On this month’s Crimecall, Chief Superintendent Declan Daly of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau delivered a message to all victims of Domestic abuse which essentially indicates that An Garda Síochána is committed through “Operation Faoiseamh” and the “Still Here” campaign to reassure them of its commitment to support them by taking pro-active interventions, in order to ensure their safety.
An Garda Síochána’s response to the increase in Domestic abuse call for service during the Covid-19 pandemic is being supported through “Operation Faoiseamh” which aims to support victims through:
- Media campaigns Videos and advice is available here
- Execution of court orders issued in relation to the Domestic Violence Act 2018.
- Completing Domestic abuse call backs.
- Pro-active follow up calls to all victims by the Garda Victim Services offices.
An Garda Síochána’s commitment to all victims and particularly to victims of Domestic abuse has not diminished, in light of the Covid-19 crisis. In fact the message is quite clear; No-one should feel threatened in their own home, help is only a phone call away, so report it and let us help and assist you.
Gardaí at Swords are investigating an incident of exposure that occurred at around midnight on Thursday 31 October 2019, (Halloween Night) at Hiltown Park, Swords, Co. Dublin.
A number of young women had been making their way home when they observed a man nearby in some shrubbery, exposing himself to them.
The suspect is described as being in his mid-twenties, thin build, unkempt hair and an untrimmed beard, brown in colour. He was wearing all dark clothing, possibly a dark green jacket or top with the hood up. He spoke with a Dublin accent. He had a red umbrella with him.
Gardaí at Swords Garda Station are investigating tel: (01) 666 4700
Gardaí at Blessington Garda Station are investigating a sexual assault that occurred on Saturday 7 March 2020, at approximately 3pm.
The victim was walking in Manor Kilbride/Blessington Road area when she was grabbed from behind by a man who assaulted her and exposed himself.
The suspect is described as being mid to late twenties, 5'9", slim build with brown hair. He is missing his front top tooth. He had a Dublin accent and was wearing black tracksuit with grey on the shoulders.
Gardaí at Blessington Garda Station are investigating tel: (045) 865 202
Detective Superintendent Michael Cryan was in studio to offer advice and reassurance on a number of frauds and scams that have emerged or increased following the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Detective Superintendent Cryan focused on three main topics:
1. Phishing / vishing / smishing
There appears to be an increase in this issue due to the amount of time people are spending at home online on social media. This is where the fraudster is after your bank account details and contacts you via call, text or email. They try to get you to click on a link, go to a site, pay a small amount and this way they get access to your credit card / bank account details. They can remove money from your account or use your card to buy high value goods.
2. Invoice re-directs / CEO fraud
Potential for increases in this area as more and more people are working from home.
3. Shopping & Auction Fraud
Potential for increases in this area as more people have to purchase online. They can be scammed by going onto cloned websites, being tricked to moving offsite or purchasing goods that don’t exist, are not delivered or get counterfeit worthless goods. People are also giving over credit card details and personal details to fraudsters here.
Further information is available here
The Gardaí at Raheny Garda station are investigating the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of 42 year John Walsh, who was last seen in the Strand Road area of Portmarnock on Sunday 8 March 2020.
John's family and Gardaí are very concerned for his safety and wellbeing. On this month’s Crimecall John’s niece Jennifer together with Gardaí make an appeal for information that may assist with the investigation.
John is described as being around 6', of medium build with brown hair.
Gardaí at Raheny Garda Station are investigating tel: (01) 666 4300
Gardaí in Ashbourne Garda Station are investigating the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of forty five year old Terry Byrne who is missing from his home in Dunboyne since Friday 7 February 2020.
It is believed Terry left his home between 1am and 7am on Friday. His mobile phone was last activated at 6.02am, when it is believed the battery died.
A number of extensive searches have been carried out in Dunboyne and surrounding areas with the assistance of the Civil Defence, Garda Air Support, Garda Water unit and the Coast Guard. CCTV has been canvassed and HSE checks with ambulance services and hospitals have been carried out. Airport and ferry ports have been on alert. Terry’s passport is at home.
There has been no transactions on Terry’s bank account.
Terry’s family and An Garda Síochána are extremely concerned for his safety and well-being.
Terry’s brother’s Paul & Mark made an emotional appeal for information and assistance from the public.
Gardaí at Ashbourne Garda Station are investigating tel: (01) 801 0600
Gardaí at Kilmainham Garda Station are investigating a Robbery from the person incident that occurred in the early hours of Friday 14 February 2020 at Emmet Court, Inchicore, Dublin.
At approximately 2.15am, a taxi driver was hailed down by a man at the junction of Grattan Crescent and Emmet Road at the Black Lion Public house. The taxi driver was stopped at the lights as the man came from the direction of Emmet Road.
The suspect got into the back of the taxi and sat directly behind the driver, he directed the driver towards Emmet Court. As the driver turned onto Vincent Street West the suspect produced a knife and held it to the victim’s throat.
The suspect indicated that they pull into the left hand side of the road beside the pathway on Emmet Court. The suspect demanded the victim’s phone, wallet and car keys.
The suspect then fled before throwing the car keys onto grass verge.
Appeal:
- The suspect travelled on foot along St Vincent Street West shortly before the incident and there were people in the area – Gardaí are appealing for those people to come forward.
- The suspect was approx. 5'8" in height, stocky build and spoke with a Dublin accent. He wore a distinctive dark hooded anorak with a small brown logo on the left pocket, have you seen this man?
- Immediately after the incident happened, the suspect fled in the direction of the Grand Canal. We want to know what direction he took.
- There may be people in the community who have heard about this incident and know who our suspect is, Gardaí are appealing to anyone with information to come forward and they will be treated sensitively.
Gardaí at Kilmainham Garda Station are investigating tel: (01) 666 9700
Gardaí at Rathmines Garda Station are investigating a robbery that occurred in the early hours of Friday, the 14 February 2020.
The victim, a taxi driver, collected a fare on the Rathmines road at approximately 1am, the suspect got into the rear passenger seat and slid across so that he was directly behind the driver. The suspect directed the taxi driver to drive along Leinster Road, towards Grosvenor Square and onto Grosvenor Lane before arriving on Mount Drummond Avenue where he indicated to the taxi driver to stop. At this point, the suspect covered his mouth and nose with a scarf and produced a knife threatening the taxi driver demanding money and his mobile phone.
The suspect held the knife to the victim’s throat as the victim attempted to protect himself he injured his hands. The victim attempted to get out of the car but the suspect held onto him. The victim gave the suspect a sum of money and his mobile phone.
The suspect than ran through the bollards at the end of the laneway.
The suspect is described as being aged between forty and forty five, 5'7”, strong/stocky build, with short dark hair, clean shaven wearing all dark clothing. He spoke with a Dublin accent.
Appeal:
- Gardaí are appealing to the public to consider the EVOFIT and the description provided in an attempt to identify the suspect.
- Gardaí are appealing to other taxi drivers who may have collected a fare, matching the suspect’s description
- Gardaí are appealing any motorists who were in the area on the night with dash cam footage to come forward
- Gardaí believe the suspect may have local knowledge of the area and community and are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.
Gardaí at Rathmines Garda Station are investigating tel: (01) 666 6700
On this month’s Traffic Segment Superintendent Eddie Golden was in studio to offer advice and information on a number of issues arising following the COVID-19 restrictions.
Superintendent Golden advised the public on the best practice for them when approaching checkpoints to ensure safety for everyone with particular emphasis on drivers of HGV’s.
With the reduced numbers of vehicles on the road, reports of high speeds from Go-Safe vans and members from around the country have increased. Superintendent Golden will highlight the dangers associated with speeding and indeed the penalties for such instances.
Superintendent Golden also gave advice to pedestrians and cyclists about their safety while adhering to the 2km rule and social distancing when using the roads and footpaths.
Superintendent Golden discussed the new legislative amendments that extend the validity of NCT/DOE certificates by four months.