Gardaí in Roscommon are investigating an Aggravated Burglary that occurred on 22 August 2022 in Ballintubber just outside Castlerea Co. Roscommon.
On the date in question at approximately 12.15am, four masked men forced their way into the rear of a residence which is attached to a shop.
At the time of the burglary an elderly mother and her two sons were on the premises.
After gaining entry, one of the suspects struck a male resident with a large screwdriver which was approximately two feet long.
Following the assault both male occupants had their hands tied and all three victims were brought to the same room. The house and shop were then ransacked with the suspects staying on the premises for up to 45 mins before leaving. Money, cigarettes and commemoration coins were taken during the burglary.
The victims were violently and aggressively treated during the burglary and were left tied up in a locked room by the suspects. The victims however managed to free themselves and raise the alarm. One of the sons received injuries that required treatment at a local hospital.
Descriptions
- Dark clothes with balaclavas
- Dark blue gloves
- Light blue plastic gloves.
- (3)males were around 5ft 10ins/ 4th male slightly shorter
- Thought to be driving a silver saloon car
Appeal
- The coins taken during the burglary were very unique items. They may have been offered to members of the public or maybe people have come across them since the date of the burglary.
- Were you in the area at the time of the incident, Sunday night 21 August 2022 from 10.30pm until Monday morning at 1.30am on 22 August 2022.
- Did you see anything unusual or anyone acting suspiciously? Gardaí would like you to come forward with any information you may have.
- Do you have useful dash cam footage?
- Do you know who may now possess the coins, jewellery or cigarettes or have you been offered them for sale since 22 August?
Gardaí at Roscommon Garda Station investigating: (090) 663 8300
Gardaí at Tullamore Garda Station are investigating an incident of arson which occurred on the 27 November 2022. At 7:15am approximately Gardaí received a report of two sheds on fire at Clonmore, Clonbulloge, Co Offaly. On examination of the scene, it was established that the fire was intentionally started. There was extensive damage to the machinery shed which included a combine harvester, two balers, grazing machine and seed drill. The shed itself and the machines were extensively damaged.
The second shed a milking parlour with an office failed to ignite. However, one of the milking machines stored there was extensively damaged. It is believed this damage was caused by somebody filling the interior of each piece of machinery with straw and igniting them. The total value of the damage caused is approximately €300,000 to €400,000.
Garda Appeal
- - Were you at the Bracknagh Road into Clonbullogue, on the 27 November 2021, between 4:30am and 7am? Did you see a car in the area or notice any suspicious activity between these times.
- - Gardaí believe that people in the community have vital information in relation to this arson investigation and are appealing for them to come forward.
- - Did you see anything in the days or weeks leading up to this incident that may assist with the investigation.
On this month’s Crimecall, Sergeant Deirdre O’Neill was in studio to discuss Campus Watch 2022.
Campus Watch 2022
This year is the first time in three years that the majority of students will get to see the colleges at full capacity making it a new experience not just for the first years but also some second and third year students too.
The Campus Watch programme is a crime prevention and community safety programme similar to a residential Neighbourhood Watch scheme. There are over 55 schemes in place across the country. It operates as a partnership between An Garda Síochána and the Campus occupants. Campus Watch works on the basis that every member of campus can help to improve the quality of life of all on site by looking out for other students, staff and visitors, and reporting suspicious activities to the Gardaí. Campuses are busy locations and everyone has their part to play.
During the academic year we run information campaigns designed to keep students safe and secure. Each programme is evidence based and focuses on topics that may be more relevant for a particular time of year, i.e. personal safety at the start of the academic year.
Traditionally, four crime prevention programmes are rolled out across the academic year to campus users. The blue bike initiative which is a bicycle safety initiative is rolled out during Semester 2 when bicycles are more in use.
This year will be challenging as we have a large number of students who are effectively attending campus for the first time. We would ask students and parents alike to check out the Campus Watch Page on the Garda website which will provide plenty of information to help make your year a safe and secure one.
Good advice and information can be found in the Campus Watch Brochure which is available in multiple languages on the Campus Watch page at www.garda.ie
Personal Safety
As a new student, get to know the geography of your campus as soon as you can. Find out about public transport timetables, where you can park vehicles or bikes securely, campus security buildings, and the local Garda Station.
College life should be about experiencing new things but remember when you are going out to PLAN and be Streetwise:
- Plan night out, how you are getting there and back,
- Let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be back,
- Avoid walking alone in dark areas,
- Never attempt to reason with drunk or aggressive people and be
- Streetwise, get to know the locality and the surroundings, and mind your valuables.
It’s a good idea to upload emergency contacts onto your phone and activate find my phone on your device. Keep a record of your IMEI number (Dial *#06# to get it). This will help us return your device to you if it’s located or handed in.
Accommodation Security / Personal Items
The very nature of a campus, where unfamiliar faces are common and accepted, lends itself to the work of the criminal who can blend in quite easily around halls of residence. For example, it is not unusual to see people carrying backpacks and other items without suspicion.
For students on tight budgets, expensive items are difficult to replace, and it is highly advisable to spend a short time considering how effective measures can be taken to reduce the possibility of theft. The good news is that there are a number of actions you can take to reduce the chance of becoming a victim of crime.
Follow these tips to help secure your residence:
- Ensure that all windows and doors are locked at all times.
- Never give your keys to anyone else. Do not leave your keys where others could have access to them.
- Always lock outside doors. – The main entrance is the first line of defence to your property.
- Close your curtains after dark. Act on suspicions you have, don’t dwell on them.
- Let the professionals share your suspicions. – Never reveal you are alone and contact Gardaí.
- Inform a trusted neighbour or friend if you are going away.
- Ensure that you do not have obvious signs of vacant accommodation – Curtains drawn during daylight hours, etc. – Remember to lock up and light up.
- Before you admit any callers to your accommodation, ensure you are satisfied with their identity. Don’t be afraid to check the ID of unfamiliar people.
- You do not have to challenge people aggressively. You can approach someone and ask if they are lost or need help if you are unsure. Perhaps enlist the help of a fellow student before making any approach.
- Don’t let strangers in, or hold doors open for strangers who are arriving as you are leaving. Use the door chain on your room door. Remember – Other people live in the building too!
- If you think someone is behaving suspiciously, or trying to gain unauthorised access to accommodation, contact the Gardaí / Campus Security Personnel. Likewise, if you receive any strange, threatening, or abusive phone calls to your accommodation, report them to the Gardaí / Campus Security Personnel.
Safe driving for commuting students
This year we are seeing more commuting students so there is a strong reminder to ensure your vehicle is road worthy and carry out regular checks especially on tyres and brakes.
When parking at college, lock your vehicle and park it in a well-lit area and do not leave valuables on display. If you must leave items in your vehicle, lock them in the boot out of sight, ideally before you reach your destination.
On those journeys to college make sure that you are taking sufficient breaks, tiredness could be a contributing factor in up to 20% of fatal road traffic accidents. Therefore, if driving long distances stop and rest when you are feeling tired. Factor it into your trip time.
If you have been socialising you need to be satisfied that you are fit to drive the next morning. If in doubt, do not risk it.
Consent
During your college life you will be experiencing new friendships and relationships. Respect each other’s boundaries and diversity.
If you’re engaging in sexual activities, remember to always ask for consent and to communicate.
Accommodation Frauds
Gardaí are advising people to be wary of rental scams, particularly at this time of year when students are returning to college.
There were a total of 882 cases of rental scams reported to An Garda Síochána between 1 February 2019 and 31 July 2022. There were 172 cases of Accommodation Fraud reported between February and July 2022. This is an increase of 27% compared to the same period in 2019.
Almost half (46%) of these incidents occurred in the Dublin Region.
Just over €1.6 million was stolen in rental scams over this period. Median amount stolen €1,400.
Almost half (42%) of all injured parties were under the age of 25.
72% of all injured parties were under the age of 35.
The most financial losses are experienced between August and October.
Red Flags
- When the landlord is unable to meet up to show you the property in person. Covid-19 restrictions no longer acceptable excuse.
- When communication is only through Text / WhatsApp or other social media platform.
- When the property is offered with no questions asked and payment demanded immediately before signing the lease.
- When you are asked to pay cash, cryptocurrency or money via a non-bank transfer. (such as wire transfer)
Check List
- Never agree to rent a property without first having the opportunity to view it.
- Do not hand over cash. Insist upon a proper receipt.
- Ensure that the keys work and you have proper contact details for the landlord/agent.
- Report any accommodation fraud to your local Garda Station.
Gardaí at Bray are looking for the public’s assistance in identifying the above individual in relation to an exposure incident that occurred at the Glen of the Downs Nature Park, Co. Wicklow on 14 February 2022 between 12 – 12.45pm.
On the date in question the above male followed the victim along a walking trail and bumped into her a number of times. The victim tried to avoid the suspect by walking a different route but the suspect continued to follow her. The victim stopped in order to let the male pass her. After walking past her the male exposed himself at which point the victim fled the scene.
Description:
- Mid 40’s
- Slight build
- Acne scars on face
- Unkempt beard
- Wearing grey tracksuit bottoms, dark hoody and a red and yellow bobbin hat
- The suspect also had a black and white dog with him
Gardaí at Bray Garda Station Investigating tel: 01-666-5347
Gardaí in Sundrive Road are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the above individual in relation to hit-and-run collision at the Cooley Road, Drimnagh on 26 June 2022 at 10.00pm.
While on patrol Gardaí observed a silver Honda Accord as they turned into a carpark at Drimnagh road. The driver of the Honda Accord then proceeded to drive towards Gardaí, causing them to swerve and mount the kerb.
The suspect vehicle drove off and Gardaí subsequently conducted a search of the area. A short while later they came upon the scene of a hit and run collision, during which the Honda Accord had collided with the rear of another vehicle, causing minor injuries to the driver.
The driver of the suspect vehicle had escaped on foot before Gardaí arrived.
Description of Suspect
- - approximately 5ft 10 in height
- - pale complexion
- - dark hair
- - wearing a black tracksuit.
Gardaí at Crumlin Garda Station Investigating tel: (01) 666 6200
On this month’s Crimecall Garda Adrian Corcoran was in studio to offer advice in relation Tyre Safety.
Tyre Safety
The tyres on your vehicle are the only part of your vehicle in contact with the road. Therefore, they play a key role in vehicle safety. Based on our analysis of road traffic collision reports we estimate that defective tyres could be a contributory factor in as many as one in ten fatal collisions annually, resulting in approximately 14 deaths each year.
Your safety, along with the safety of your passengers and other road users, could depend directly on the condition of your vehicles tyres.
Tyres must:
- Be the right kind and size for your vehicle
- Be properly inflated
- Be free from defects
- Have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm
Dangers of using sub-standard or incorrect tyres include:
- Reduced road handling – you have less control of your vehicle
- Increased braking distances – it could take up to twice the normal braking distance to stop
- Aquaplaning – where your tyres lose grip on the road in wet conditions
- Blow-outs – resulting in loss of control of the vehicle
By law, it is a driver’s responsibility to make sure that their vehicle meets legal requirements and is in a roadworthy condition at all times. Tyres should be checked to ensure there is a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. Anything less is illegal for use on a public road.
(I will have a device in studio which is used to measure tread depth. It’s a simple device which can be purchased in any motor factors and costs €6/€7)
Tyres also have a tread wear indicator block set into them at a depth of 1.6mm. You should check this block to ensure that this indicator is not at the same level as or lower than the tyre tread.
Tyre Maintenance
Correct inflation pressure is important, as the pressurised air inside your tyre has to support the weight of your vehicle and its load. Inflation pressure can also affect your vehicles fuel efficiency. Tyre pressures vary depending on the vehicle model and the load being carried.
We recommend that you check your tyres pressures regularly against the manufacturers specifications for your vehicle. You’ll find the inflation specifications in your vehicle owners handbook, inside the fuel filler cap or on the door sill. According to the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIS) 90% of premature or uneven tyre wear is due to under or over inflation.
The following illustrations demonstrate how the effects of correct and in correct pressure can be seen on your tread pattern.
In addition to checking inflation the condition of the tyres should also be checked on a regular basis. If your vehicles tyres show signs of deterioration (wear and tear), you should remove them and replace them. Do not drive on a public road with sub-standard tyres on your vehicle. There are several tell-tale signs you should keep an eye out for:
- Cracking of the side wall of the tyre
- Distortion of the tyre tread
- Deformation of the main body of the tyre
- Loss of pressure despite regular pumping
- Deep cuts
- Bulges
- Separated or perished rubber
- Vibrations through the tyres when you drive
(I had examples of sub-standard tyres in studio)
Spare Wheel / Space Saver
The spare tyre should also be checked on a regular basis to ensure it is inflated to the correct pressure and that the tyre is in good condition. If you need to drive with a space-saver wheel it is important to note that they are designed for temporary use, to get you home or to a place of repair. Maximum speed with a space-saver wheel is restricted to 80kph. You should aim to get the original car tyre repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Penalties
If you drive with damaged or worn tyres, you are putting your own life and the life of others at risk. You also risk prosecution. There are over 50 different fixed charge penalty notices for various offences relating to tyres. They all carry a fine of €80 and 2 penalty points. If you are convicted of the offence of driving with dangerous tyres, you could be fined up to €5000, or receive a 3 month prison sentence, or both. You will also have 5 penalty points on your licence upon conviction.
Gardaí at Claremorris Garda Station are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of twenty-one-year-old, Joe Deacy who was found unconscious with head injuries in a driveway of a house in Gortnasillagh, Co. Mayo on Saturday 12 August 2017.
Joe, from St. Albans in the United Kingdom was visiting relatives and friends in the west of Ireland, specifically Galway and Mayo. Joe loved soccer and Gaelic Football and spent several summers as a young boy visiting the west of Ireland. During his teenage years Joe maintained contact with family, friends and cousins and visited them often, attending the Galway races and Gaelic Football matches.
On the 11th of August 2017, Joe had once again visited family and friends in Ireland. He went to a bar known locally as Paddy’s bar in Kiltimagh. Later Joe returned to the house where he was staying in the townland of Gortnasillagh.
At 6.45am on Saturday morning, 12 August, Joe was found unconscious in the driveway of the house with head injuries. Joe died at Beaumont Hospital the following day from his injuries.
Joe’s family made an emotional appeal on Crimecall for information that will assist the Garda investigation.
Garda Appeal:
- Did you see anything out of the ordinary on that night?
- Do you possess any information that may assist the investigation? We may or may not have spoken to you previously, either way we want to assure you that you will be treated with sensitivity and compassion.
- Allegiances change with the passage of time, were you friends with any of the suspects at the time and now feel better placed to speak to the investigation team?
- An extensive investigation has been conducted since 2017. However Gardaí still require and urge the public to come forward with the last piece of the jigsaw that will progress the investigation and bring some closure to the Deacy family.
- An Garda Síochána appeal directly to those suspected of involvement to come forward and unburden themselves? They believe that Key to solving Joes death lies within the local community.
Gardaí at Claremorris Garda Station, Investigating, Tel: (094) 937 2080
