24 October 2022

Gardaí at Ballyconnell Garda Station are investigating a burglary at An Siopa, Main Street Bawnboy, Co. Cavan between 1:35am and 4am on Monday 23 August 2021. 

On the date in question, a dark metallic blue coloured Lexus 300 car is captured on CCTV driving through the Ballyconnell area and onto Bawnboy.  At the village of Bawnboy it is seen approaching the premises and then leaving before it returned again and reversed into a space along the side of An Siopa. 

One male suspect crossed the road and then two others follow where they appear to cut a wire on a telegraph pole outside the parochial house.  The men return to the vicinity of the vehicle and then re-immerge along with another male where they use a wire cutter to cut the CCTV cable to the shop. 

After about an hour entry was gained and a significant amount of damage was caused to the shop including the till, photocopier, coffee machine, ATM, cigarette machine and safe.  

During the burglary an angle grinder was used to cause some of the damage, and a substantial amount of cash, cigarettes and scratch cards were taken. 

Description of Suspects: 

1. Male, 5’10’’ (approx.) medium build, dark green baseball cap, black face mask. Dark Navy Hoody type jacket. Dark grey trousers. White socks. Black runners with white stripe on bottom edge.
2. Male, 5’7-8’’ (approx.) Slight build. Wearing a farmers typed peak cap, dark colour. Wearing a Snood (mask). Also wearing a chequered cream coloured shirt, with a black body warmer, therefore both arms are cream chequered colour. Brown shoes/boots.
3. Male 5’7-8’’ (approx.) slight build. Mask up over face, wearing a black cap (no peak). Black top, with blue jeans.
4. Male 5’8’’ (approx.) more stocky than other 3. Black baseball cap. Black clothing black runners. 

Garda Appeal: 

• - The car involved is believed to be a dark metallic blue Lexus 300. Did you see the car prior to its arrival in Bawnboy or afterwards?
• - Did you see a car matching this description in the days or weeks before? Do you know who had possession of the car at the time or where this car is now?
• - Take a look at the footage of the suspects outside the shop. Do you know the identity of the suspect who cut the wire or the male standing on footpath close by?
• - Were you in the area on the night of 22 August into the 23 August 2021.  Did you see these males or the car?
• - Have you any information about this Burglary or do you know the identity of the suspects? 

Gardaí at Ballyconnell Garda Station Investigating - Tel: 049-9526102

The Gardaí at Wexford Town are investigating a burglary that occurred at Trinity Hire ,Whitemill Industrial Estate ,Wexford Town, shortly after 1am on Monday 5 September 2022.A silver Audi A3 (4) door hatchback can be seen on cctv arrive at the premises and  (3) suspects emerge and approach the premises. 

Two of the suspects use a pick axe and hammer which they brought with them to break one of the large pane of glass. During the burglary entry was gained by two of the suspects and several items of power tools that were on display were removed. The third suspect who was the driver remained outside throughout and was handed some power tools which he placed in the car. The males then returned to the Audi and left in the direction of Killeens, Co. Wexford. 

Later that same morning at around 9am a silver Audi A 3, (4) door was seen parked at forest lane known as “St. Munns Way Loop Walk” which is located close to the village of Taghmon, Wexford. Gardaí believe the Audi was perfectly intact at this stage. However, they believe that later that same day it was totally destroyed by fire. 

Garda Appeal: 

• - Were you in the vicinity of the White Mill Industrial Estate on Monday 5 September at approximately 1am?
• - Do you have Dashcam footage that may have captured this vehicle?
• - Did you see a silver Audi A3 in the weeks before or the evening of the Sunday the 4th and then later at the estate?
• - Do you know the identity of the (3) suspects? The driver is of heavy build while the other two are slim.
• - Did you see where the Audi went after it initially left the Whitemill Industrial estate in the direction of Killeens?
• - Did you see the Audi or its occupants at the forest lane, known as “St. Munn’s Way loop walk”? Did you see any other vehicle at the time the Audi was there?
• - Were you offered any of the tools listed below for sale in dubious circumstances since 5 September?
• - Husqvarna consaw x (2) 12’’ and 14’’  
• - Sthil consaw x (2)                     14’’ 
• - Makita consaw                          12’’    
• - Milwaukee hedge cutter    
• - Milwaukee  vacuum   

 SUSPECT DESCRIPTIONS: 

Suspect (1): 

• (Driver)
• Heavy set
• Height; Tall and taller than the other two
• Grey bottoms
• White runners
• Black balaclava
• Carried a  hammer  

Suspect (2): 

• Front seat passenger
• Black hoodie top
• Black bottoms
• Light coloured face covering
• Carried a pickaxe 

Suspect (3): 

• Rear seat passenger
• Blue hoodie with dark jacket
• Navy/Dark bottoms
• Dark Runners with white soles 

Gardaí at Wexford Garda Station – Investigating - Tel: 053-9165200

On this month’s Crimecall, Crime Prevention segment, Sergeant Deirdre O’Neill provided information in relation to Burglary advice and discussed An Garda Síochána’s launch of its new property app ‘Operation Thor’ and ‘Lock Up Light Up’ the anti-burglary awareness campaign. 

Since 2015, Operation Thor actively targets organised crime gangs and repeat offenders through coordinated crime prevention and enforcement activity based on intelligence and the latest burglary trends. 

There has been a relative decrease in residential burglaries of approximately 38% from pre Thor to pre-covid times with a relative decrease of 48% from pre-covid through covid-19 times.

Garda divisions will have increased checkpoints and patrolling in burglary hot-spots and we will be promoting awareness around property safety through Neighbour Watch and Community Watch. 

Compared to the summer months, figures show that that there can be a surge of up to 20% in burglaries during the winter months, particularly during the hours of 5pm to 9pm with Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays being the most likely days that such incidents will occur. 2.3% of burglaries in 2022 were reported as aggravated burglaries. 

While burglary levels are still significantly lower than pre-pandemic times, there was an additional 733 burglaries reported nationally compared to last year, an increase of approximately 20% on last year. A reason for the rates remaining low compared to pre-pandemic times is possibly due to people still working for home meaning fewer houses are vacant, however, with people returning to their place of work, this figure appears to be on the rise again. 

This year to date:

• There have been 6,272 burglary incidents reported nationally.
• 4,533 (73%) of these incidents have been residential burglary.
• 147 (2.3%) were recorded as Aggravated Burglary

During the same period in 2019 there were 10,439. 

Compared to 2021:

• Residential burglary increased by 21%
• Burglary elsewhere increased by 26%
• Aggravated Burglary decreased by 12%

‘Lock Up Light Up’ is An Garda Síochána's anti-burglary awareness campaign which encourages homeowners to protect their homes over the winter months. Over 20% of winter burglaries involved a premises that was unsecured. There is also an increase in the use of entrances at the rear of the residence during winter months, possibly due to being able to operate more easily in the cover of darkness. 

Simple steps can help protect your home, so whether you are at home or going out remember:

• Turn on some lights, LED bulbs are more energy efficient than traditional bulbs.
• Use timer switches/ motion detectors/ smart lights to turn on lights via phone
• Use motion detector/sensor lights outside, make sure they cover the door and not just the area near the door.
• Lock all doors and windows as part of your regular routine
• Use an alarm – get it serviced and ensure battery pack is working
• Store keys away from windows
• Don’t keep large amounts of cash or jewellery in the house

Taking these simple steps will lessen a home’s vulnerability, deter burglars and protect homes.

Data from the Garda Analysis Service shows that approximately one third of all burglaries are through the front doors - with most burglars using their own body to gain entry. Other key findings include:

• Burglars also commonly target back doors (23%), back windows (20%) and front windows (8%), with one in five cases involving a burglar getting access through an unsecured door or window. 
• Jewellery and cash remain the most common objects stolen.
• Computers, mobile phones, TVs and games consoles are also among the top items stolen. 
• Nearly half of burglaries (45%) occur between 5pm and 11pm.
• 36% of all burglaries during winter occur during the 4 hour window of 5pm and 9pm.
• The practice of ‘fishing’, where car keys are fished through a letterbox by burglars, also remains a problem with the Dublin region most at risk. 

Halloween Safety Advice:

- Do not buy, use or ignite fireworks - Do not provide any materials for bonfires  - Report sightings of pallets or tires being hoarded to your local authority - Keep away from unsupervised bonfires  - Explain dangers of fireworks and bonfires to children and teenagers - Keep pets indoors on Halloween night - There are penalties for selling, supplying and throwing fireworks. 

Gardaí in Dundrum are investigating sexual assault and robbery and are seeking the public’s assistance in locating the above suspect. The incident occurred on the Glebe Road, Kilternan, Co Dublin, shortly before 11pm on Tuesday 6 September 2022.

The victim was walking home when she was approached by a man who pushed her against a fence during the incident. The victim then struggled free and ran for help. She had her handbag over her shoulder at the time and when she got home she realised that her phone and wallet were missing. 

Description of Suspect 

• - 5’6’’ in height
• - Slim build
• - Dark complexion
• - Wearing a baseball cap and trimmed beard 

Gardaí at Dundrum Garda Station - Investigating - Tel: (01) 666 5600

Gardaí at Kevin Street Station are investigating a sexual assault at Hanover Quay, Dublin 2 on the 3 July last at 9.30 pm. The victim initially noticed the suspect as she walked along Fitzwilliam Quay in the direction of Ringsend church. She then continued along south dock road, which runs alongside the river Dodder. It was at this point that she realised the suspect was following her. Later at Hanover Quay the man approached her from behind. However the victim managed to get way from the suspect and continued on her journey.

Description of Suspect:

• - Height 5'6"
• - Muscular build
• - Collar length, brown / black wavy hair
• - Mid to late 30’s with sallow skin
• - Wearing white knee-length shorts and a navy hoodie 

Gardaí at Kevin Street Garda Station- Investigating- Tel: 016669473

On this month’s Crimecall Detective Sergeant Kieran Tansey of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau was in studio discussing the possible dangers involved in investing in cryptocurrencies and offering advice to viewers on how they can avoid becoming a victim of cryptocurrency fraud. 

Cryptocurrencies are unregulated digital currencies that generally only exist electronically. Bitcoin and Ether are well-known cryptocurrencies, but there are many different cryptocurrencies, with new ones being created all the time. 

Fraudsters are beginning to use cryptocurrency investment scams in order to defraud victims out of their money. One of the ways they may do this is: 

1. You are browsing online and you come across an ad for a cryptocurrency. This ‘ad’ is set up by the fraudster and they are in control of anyone who clicks on it. Once you click on the ‘ad’ it may ask you for your email address or by clicking it you may have agreed to terms & conditions which then allows the fraudster access to your personal information (email address / phone number etc.) which you may have on your social media accounts.
2. You then receive an email from a ‘company’ purporting to be a legitimate business offering to help you get set up with a cryptocurrency account. Their selling points all seem genuine - they offer to ‘take the hassle out of setting up an account’. You then follow their instructions.
3. The ‘company’ helps you set up a legitimate cryptocurrency account. They ask you to download an app which gives the fraudsters access to your account. They guide the victim into transferring genuine cash from their bank account into their new cryptocurrency account.
4. Once the steps are completed and because the fraudster has access to the newly set up cryptocurrency account they remove all your cash from the account. At this stage the victim’s funds are gone. They have been moved beyond their control.
5. The fraudster creates a fake website showing the victim’s cryptocurrency rising in investment.
6. The fraudster will then prolong the scam for as long as they can. Eventually after the fraudster is finished taking as much cash from the victim as they can, they cut off all communication. 

Victims of this type of scam are most likely male and over 55 years of age, but it is important to remember that anyone can be a victim of this type of investment fraud. Detective Sergeant Tansey provided some “Red Flags” when looking out for this type of scam and offered advice on how you can avoid becoming a victim: 

• Virtual currencies are not regulated, so if something does go wrong you will not be able to claim compensation – YOU HAVE NO CONSUMER PROTECTION.
• Always seek independent financial and legal advice before making any investments.
• Do not respond to POP-UP ads or social media ads / messages.
• Do not follow links from POP-UP ads or from social media or unsolicited emails/messages or other communications from persons unknown.
• Do not respond to cold calls.
• Be very wary of unsolicited emails / texts / calls / offers / advices.
• Be very wary where the investment is being endorsed by celebrities / famous business people – they may not know their name is attached to the advertisement.
• Do not download suggested APPS and never allow another take control of your computer.
• Do research on cryptocurrencies before making any investments – there are many different types.
• Before you invest in crypto, search online for the name of the company or person and the cryptocurrency name.
• Only invest what you can afford to lose. No investment return is 100% guaranteed.
• Be VERY wary of advertisements offering very high ‘too good to be true’ returns.
• Remember investing in cryptocurrency is high risk.
• If you get a good offer – stop and consider – why me? Why am I getting this once in a life time offer? Why the rush? Be wary where there is a sense of urgency – has to be done now / last chance - don’t allow yourself to be rushed into it.
• The Central Bank of Ireland advices that investing in cryptocurrency is unsuitable for most consumers particularly those pursuing long-term goals like saving for retirement.
• Where you have been scammed be wary of companies who subsequently make contact with you with a view to retrieving your investment. These can often be fraudsters also. 

REMEMBER IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE THEN IT PROBABLY 

Garda National Economic Crime Bureau

 

On 19 September 2022, the female victim was walking home from work on the Sandy Road, Galway City. Shortly after 2 am, she crossed the road and was on the left hand foot path of Sandy Road walking in the direction of Headford Road, when she was hit from behind by what Gardaí believe to be a silver Volkswagen Passat or Passat CC. The car failed to stop or remain at the scene and drove off in the direction of Headford Road.  

The victim suffered a cracked collarbone as a result of the collision.  

Garda Appeal:

• - Any witnesses in the Sandy Road or Headford Road, Galway between the hours of approximately 2am to 2:15am on the 19 September 2022.
• - Any motorists that were in the area that may have dash camera footage.
• - Gardaí believe that the suspect car is a silver Volkswagen Passat or Passat CC model.
• - Anyone who may have noticed any damage to a vehicle matching that description.
• - Has anyone discussed this collision with regard to the car or driver with you? Do you have any information that may assist the investigation? 

Gardaí Galway Garda Station – Investigating - Tel: (091) 538000

Gardaí in Waterford are looking for the public’s assistance in locating the whereabouts of missing person Bobby Power, (16 years). 

Bobby was last seen on 26 July 2022 by his mother, who subsequently reported him missing to Gardaí, who began an investigation into his disappearance. 

At the time of his disappearance Bobby was living at Viewmount Park, Dunmore Road, Waterford City. 

Description of Bobby:

• - Age – 16 years
• - Height - 5ft 9inches
• - Black hair
• - Brown eyes
• - Thought to have been wearing a black hoodie and black tracksuit bottoms at the time of his disappearance 

Gardaí believe that Bobby may have been in the Mallow area of Cork in early August of this year. 

Bobby’s family are very concerned for his safety and would like Bobby himself or anyone with information on his whereabouts to please get in touch with investigating Gardaí. 

Garda appeal: 

• It is unknown where Bobby went after he left his mother’s house on Friday July 29th or what his intentions were? Did you see or speak to Bobby either before or since Friday 27 July 2022?
• Bobby’s mother, family and Gardaí are anxious to locate Bobby who may be vulnerable given that he is only 16 years old.
• It is believed that Bobby was in the Mallow, Co. Cork area at some time since 26 July 26. Did you see Bobby in Mallow? Do you know where he may have stayed?
• You may have befriended bobby and not realise that he is a missing person and that he is a minor. If this is the case can you please make contact with Gardaí?
• Gardaí have launched an investigation to locate Bobby and return him to his family. If you think you can assist them in anyway, can you please do so? Gardaí would like to assure you that you will be treated with sensitivity. 

Gardaí Waterford Garda Station - Investigating Tel: (051) 305 300

Adnan Asic, A Bosnian man living in Ireland for over 30 years, was found with serious injuries on the Old Navan Road early on Sunday morning, 23 October 2022 and later pronounced dead at Blanchardstown hospital. 

Adnam's injuries were the result of a serious assault and Gardai are now running a murder investigation.  

Detectives are appealing to ANYONE who was in the area of the Blanchardstown Road north junction with The Old Navan Road, or the N3 flyover, between 2 and 3 am on Sunday morning, 23 October 2022.  

Gardaí are also keen to hear from drivers who may have dash cam footage from that time and place. 

Blanchardstown Garda Station Investigating. Tel: 01-6667000

Garda Adrian Corcoran discussed pedestrian safety and offered advice to all road users on how they can make the roads safer. 

Adrian explained to date that in 2022 there has been 23 pedestrians killed on Irish Roads, that's 18.5% of all road fatalities. That number is significantly higher than this time last year when the number of pedestrians killed on our roads was 14. This is a worrying trend which we don’t want to continue. Next week sees the clocks going back an hour which means longer, darker evenings and with this in mind we would ask pedestrians to take the following steps to make themselves safer: 

• - Stop, look and listen
• - Don’t try to cross the road between parked cars
• - If possible, cross at a pedestrian crossing or traffic lights
• - Never cross at a bend If there is a footpath use it
• - If there is no footpath, walk/run/jog on the right hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic and keeping as close as possible to the side of the road
• - Walk no more than two abreast and if the road is narrow or there is heavy traffic, walk in single file 

As a pedestrian, you are one of the most vulnerable road users. So it’s important that you practice good road safety and take personal responsibility in keeping yourself and others safe on our roads.

More than two thirds of fatal pedestrian collisions happen at night. Although you can hear a car coming and see its lights, the driver may not see you, and certainly won’t hear you. 

To protect yourself make sure you: 

• - Always wear a pair of reflective armbands, high-visibility belt or other reflective or fluorescent clothing which will help you to be seen from a distance
• - Carry a torch on country roads 

Hi-Viz clothing works by distinguishing the wearer from the visual clutter by means of being brighter through fluorescence, or by increasing night time visibility through the use of reflective stripes and markings. 

Hi-Viz clothing is a passive safety measure, which is shown in lab studies to increase the distance at which a person or object is noticed by an observer.

Walking to School 

Research shows that children under 12 should not cross roads on their own. They cannot decide how far away a car is or how fast it is going. They should be taken to school by a responsible adult. 

Don’t allow your child to cross the road between parked cars. This is very dangerous as a driver will not be able to see your child. Show your child how to cross the road by example. Choose safe places to cross and explain the reasons why to your child i.e. footbridges, zebra or pelican crossings or with a school warden.

Uncontrolled crossing places

Generally uncontrolled crossing places (courtesy crossings) are designated shared areas of the road. They are coloured, slightly raised or patterned cobbled sections of road, and drivers should be aware of the potential dangers of pedestrians approaching or crossing on them.

It is also important to point out that pedestrians do not have an automatic right of way when using these crossings. Pedestrians need to be alert and aware that traffic may suddenly approach from either direction. Pedestrians should only enter uncontrolled crossing places ensuring that all traffic is aware of their presence if crossing the road. This differs from Pedestrian lights and Pelican crossings where traffic will have a red light meaning pedestrians will have right of way.

A Zebra crossing is identified by black and white ‘zebra’ road markings and a flashing amber beacon. Pedestrians claim priority at a crossing by putting a foot on road and waiting until it is safe to cross.

Drivers

• - Ensure you stick to the speed limits
• - Be extra vigilant when approaching junctions or pedestrian crossings. People may be in dark clothing making them harder to spot at night
• - Eliminate all distractions from inside your car so that you can concentrate on your driving
• - Take care when entering or exiting driveways, especially if you are reversing out onto the road
• - Ensure your headlights are working and not obscured by dust or dirt
• - Take extra care when passing schools, especially in morning and evening when children and parents are walking to and from school. Be extra cautious for children who may appear from between parked vehicles 

When a pedestrian is hit by a car at 50kph, they have a 50% chance of living. But when hit at 60kph, the chance of living drops to just 10%. 

Pedestrian Fatalities Survey 

A recent survey on pedestrian death showed the following; 

• Older pedestrians are a particularly vulnerable group
• October – January is a high risk period for pedestrian fatalities, as are weekends (12-5am)
• The majority of pedestrian fatalities take place in darkness, with very low levels of high-visibility clothing being worn
• The majority of pedestrian fatalities take place on urban roads
• A third of pedestrians were crossing the road, and 1 in 5 had failed to observe
• 1 in 2 pedestrian fatalities were confirmed to have consumed alcohol
• Half of culpable drivers failed to observe before the fatal pedestrian collision, a quarter of culpable drivers were speeding