Gardaí at Buncrana Garda Station are investigating an aggravated burglary at a private residence that occurred at Meenaharnish, Ballymagan, Buncrana, Co. Donegal between 4am and 6am on Saturday 11 December 2021.
On the date in question two women were at home where they sat up talking until approximately 1.40am. They both went to their own rooms and one stayed awake until 3am.
A car was seen approaching from nearby CCTV at approximately 4am and it stayed there until approximately 6am.
A downstairs rear window was damaged and two suspects entered the house. They went straight to the bedroom of one of the victims. The first suspect was holding a metal bar and was not masked. The second suspect was wearing a blue disposable mask. The first suspect took the victim by the arm, out of her bed to the living room, where he asked her for money. Both suspects searched the living room before the first suspect went upstairs and brought down the second victim.
Both victims were then brought into a bedroom by both suspects. The second suspect stayed with them while the first suspect searched the house. A car drove past the house with headlights on two occasions. The second suspect called out the time shortly before 6am and both men left.
Items Taken during the course of the Aggravated Burglary
1) Silver locket pendant
2) Solid gold rope chain
3) Heart shaped gold locket on a gold chain – locket opens nothing inside
4) Gold ring with a single red stone in the middle
5) A gold sovereign ring
6) White iphone 12 with Apple mag safe protection case (clear)
Description of Suspects:
Suspect 1: Mid 30’s, average height/build, with a Derry / Border Accent. Brown/reddish brown facial hair (not ginger) and pale skin.
He wore dark ‘Under Armour’ brand tracksuit bottoms, dark hoodie with the hood up, dark gloves. No mask.
Suspect 2: Early 20’s, hair colour unknown. He was of average height / build with a Derry / Border accent.
He wore black Nike shoes with 3D lines across the top, a long black knee length puffer coat down to his knees, a blue disposable face mask and blue gloves.
Garda Appeal
- Were you travelling in the Meenaharnish, Carnbrea, Quigley’s point, through Muff/Derry Border area on the 11 December 2021 anytime between 5.30 to 6.30am?
- Have you dash cam footage which may assist in the investigation?
- Did you notice a black 2006-2011 model Volkswagen Passat on your journey?
- Do you have any information in relation to the movements of this vehicle?
- Have you any information in relation to the suspects’ involved in this crime or that may assist the investigation?
- Do you know the whereabouts or have any information in relation to the stolen property taken, that might assist the investigation?
- While understandably this crime has caused great concern amongst the public, particularly the older generation, Gardaí wish to reassure the local community that this crime is uncommon and that they are pursuing some positive lines of enquiry.
- Gardaí would like to thank those who have already come forward and assisted with the investigation.
Gardaí at Buncrana Garda Station investigating tel: (074) 932 0540
On this month’s Crimecall, Sergeant Graham Kavanagh came to studio to discuss Safer Internet Day which will take place on 8 February 2022. Its aim is to create awareness of a better internet for ALL users but in particular children and young people. In Ireland Safer Internet Day is coordinated by Webwise. Webwise offers resource and support for schools, teachers, parents and families. An Garda Siochana also work with Webwise throughout the year promoting online safety. Safer internet Day is a community wide initiative which sees children, teens, teachers, schools and clubs lead online safety campaigns in their own communities.
Why is a safer internet so important?
The internet is very much a part of our children and teens lives, with children accessing the internet from an increasingly young age. Recent findings from a national survey of children, their parents and adults regarding online safety highlight:
- 62% of children and young people, aged 9-17 year, use social media.
- children and their parents or carers have different perceptions of children’s’ experiences. For example, 53% of parents say they help their child when something bothers them on the Internet. This contrasts with 19% of children who report telling a parent about issues that have upset them online.
- Less than half of parents are aware of contact and conduct risks their children have experienced
Advice for Parents
Talk...Listen…Learn
It’s never too late to start a conversation with your child about their online world and using the internet. A great starting point is the Webwise Parents hub: webwise.ie/parents. There are free guides, expert advice videos, talking points and explanations to popular apps. For Safer Internet Day, Webwise are encouraging families to #TalkListenLearn. They have developed a great, fun tool to help families come together. The topic generators encourage families to sit down and have an open discussion using the questions on the website. https://talklistenlearn.webwise.ie/
Schools, teachers, children, organisations can all get involved in Safer Internet Day. There are numerous lessons and resources available on webwise.ie and you can see what other great activities are taking place across Ireland.
What other supports/resources are available?
An Garda Síochána are delighted to work with Webwise on the development of a series of new talks for schools addressing an extremely important topic; cyberbullying and promoting respectful online communication. These talks are available for primary and post primary schools and are delivered by trained members of An Garda Síochána. The aim of the talks is to try and prevent cyberbullying from happening and to empower pupils to respond effectively if cyberbullying and harassment does occur.
Another new resource available to post-primary schools from Webwise is a dedicated lesson raising awareness around the new the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act which is also known as Coco’s Law. The aim of the talk is to reinforce the message that the making, taking, permitting to be taken, showing, possession and/or distribution of indecent images of minors is a criminal offence. The objective in delivering this talk is to try to prevent this behaviour from happening by empowering students with this knowledge.
On this month’s Crimecall, Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau delivered a message to all victims of Domestic, Sexual and Gender based violence, DSGBV, which essentially indicates that An Garda Síochána is committed to protecting and supporting all victims and ensuring that keeping people safe and safeguarding human rights are central to the work being carried out.
An Garda Síochána recognises the harm that is being done to individuals, to families and to our society due to domestic, sexual and gender based violence, and wants to reiterate the point that nobody should have to live with violence, abuse or the threat or fear of violence.
An Garda Síochána wants to reassure people that they will work exceptionally hard and in a professional, dedicated and consistent way to try and reduce Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence and that in the future this behaviour will not be tolerated and is never again unspoken.
Advice to victims
- o We need all victims to come forward and to keep talking to us so if you are a victim of Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, please make contact with An Garda Síochána
- o If you are in immediate fear, living in fear or if you feel under threat in any circumstance, please call 999 or 112.
- o If you know of a family member or friend who is a victim of such abuse, please make contact with An Garda Síochána.
- o Then we can and we will do everything in our power to pursue those persons who harm others.
- o Victims of Domestic Sexual and Gender Based Violence, be they women or men, deserve and are entitled to the very best efforts from An Garda Síochána.
- o Offenders will be investigated, they will be prosecuted and brought before the courts.
- o We hear what victims are saying and we are and always will be here to listen and to act.
What we are doing
An Garda Síochána’s response to all victims has been the launch of “Operation Faoiseamh” which has resulted in:
- o 45,283 contacts and attempted contacts with victims of domestic abuse have taken place since the commencement of Operation Faoiseamh on 1 April 2020 to 7 January 2022.An Garda Síochána responded to in excess of 48,400 Domestic Abuse Incidents in 2021, 10% increase on 2020.
- o An Garda Síochána preferred in excess of 4,250 Criminal Charges for breaches of Domestic Violence Act Orders in 2021, a 6% increase on 2020.
- o An Garda Síochána preferred in excess of 8,600 Criminal charges for crimes involving an element of domestic abuse in 2021, up 13% on 2020
- o Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSU) are now established and well embedded in every Garda Division with 392 people assigned to those units on a full time basis investigating these crimes and supporting frontline uniform and detective units
- o We have engaged, contributed and are committed to the forthcoming Department of Justice Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender based violence,(DSGBV) which will focus on Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Policy Co-ordination to tackle elements of DSGBV.
- o We have and continue to build exceptional good and productive relationships with our partners both inside and outside of the Criminal Justice system
- o But we know that we are not perfect – Everybody working in An Garda Síochána must understand the vulnerability of victims. Our attitudes and behaviour towards vulnerable people must be exceptional – we are training and working hard to increase that awareness and embed the necessary behaviour.
- o Our goal and everybody’s goal must be to eliminate all forms of violence against victims – this will save lives.
Role of society
- o There is a role for society. Stopping Inappropriate behaviour is an area where society will have to come together to eradicate it.
- o We in An Garda Síochána will deal with the criminal aspect but to truly eradicate this violence, we need the assistance, experience and expertise that exists in society and in the exceptional support groups which are out there.
- o Everyone must face up and speak up to change society’s attitudes and to Increase awareness around these crimes.
- o Ultimately this will create a society where Domestic, Sexual & Gender Based Violence is completely unacceptable.
www.safeireland.ie
Womens Aid 1800 341 900
Men’s Development Network 1800 816588
Mens Aid (01) 554 3811
Gardaí in Balbriggan are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the above male in relation to an incident of exposure on the 12 May 2021 at 12.30pm on Main Street, Rush, Co. Dublin.
The victim was walking along the footpath and noticed the suspect exposing himself while sitting in a parked car.
Description: The man is described as approximately 50 years old, a very heavy build and he had messy black hair. He had a ruddy complexion with a short beard and was wearing a black t-shirt and jeans.
The man was driving a small gold hatchback and drove east as he left the scene.
Gardaí at Balibriggan Garda Station investigating. Tel: (01) 802 0510
Gardaí in Kilkenny are investigating a case of exposure that occurred on Sion Rd in Kilkenny on 26th December 2021 at approximately 7pm.
The female victim was walking on the footpath when a white vehicle, driven by a male suspect, pulled in beside her. The male occupant remained seated in the vehicle and asked the victim for directions. He then exposed himself to her. The female then ran into a nearby driveway and the suspect drove away.
Description: The man is described as having ginger hair, a long face, clean shaven and spoke with an Irish accent. He was wearing a grey shirt at the time.
The vehicle is described as a white five door vehicle.
Gardaí at Kilkenny Garda Station investigating. Tel: (056) 777 5000
On 7 January 2022, Bernadette Connolly was reported missing by her daughter, to Swords Gardaí. Bernadette is missing from her home in Swords in Co. Dublin and It is known she travelled by taxi to Donabate, where she is seen on CCTV walking towards the beach. This is the last known sighting of Bernadette.
Extensive searches have been carried out in the search for Bernadette. All hospitals have been contacted and CCTV has been canvassed extensively from the area. There has also been a number of Press Release and Social Media Appeals since her disappearance.
Appeal:
- Bernadette is 45 years old and is described as 5’6" and of slim build. She has long black hair, hazel eyes and she has a tattoo on her lower back.
- When Bernadette was last seen she was wearing a black Nike training top, black Nike leggings, black trainers with a white sole as well as a black woolly hat with a black bobble. She had a black handbag and a black puffer jacket and a red towel which were found at the beach.
- Have you seen or heard from Bernadette from the time she went missing from the Swords area of North Dublin on the 7th of January?
- Do you recall seeing Bernadette in the Donabate area/beach on Friday the 7 January between 11.30am and midday?
Gardaí at Swords Garda Station investigating. Tel: 01 666 4700
Gardaí at Milford, Co. Donegal continue to investigate the murder of Shaun Duffy in Meenacross, Co. Donegal on 29 January 2005.
Shaun was a local man who lived in a bungalow at Meenacross just outside Dungloe. He was a 36 year-old bachelor who was well known in the area. He worked as an undertaker and as a mechanic. He had an interest and involvement in motor racing and horse sales.
On the day before his murder Shaun travelled to Letterkenny where he accompanied his brother to collect furniture. He then made a few visits locally before returning home.
On the day before his murder Shaun travelled to Letterkenny where he accompanied his brother to collect furniture. He then made a few visits locally before returning home.
On the night of Friday, 28 January Shaun was in the Strand View Pub about 3 – 4 miles outside Dungloe. It was his younger brother Kevin’s birthday and Shaun was there with friends and family. At the end of the night the party went back to Shaun’s mother’s house in Meenacross. Nothing out of the ordinary occurred and Shaun left the party at 2.20am, driving the short distance (approx. 500 yards) to his own house.
The next morning Shaun’s mother was trying to ring him but couldn’t get through. She asked his younger brother Kevin to call into Shaun to see if there was anything the matter. Shaun’s body was discovered by his brother at 2.25pm on Saturday 29 January 2005.
Shaun had been stabbed four times and was sustained severe head injuries. He also received a wound to his right arm, consistent with a crossbow injury. There were no signs of a break in but there were signs of a struggle. The weapons used have not been identified or recovered.
Since his murder there have been a number of local and national media appeals for information and one Peer Review conducted in 2017/18. The case of Shaun’s murder remains active and unsolved.
Appeal
- This is the 17th anniversary of the death of Shaun Duffy, a son, a brother, a man involved in a wide range of activities and interests both locally and nationally.
- Shaun Duffy was well known both locally and throughout the country including Dublin, due to his interests in horses and motor sports. He worked as an undertaker and a mechanic.
- Any persons or acquaintances who interacted with Shaun Duffy are asked to come forward to assist the investigation.
- The investigation remains active – with over 1550 enquiries conducted and statements recorded from over 600 persons.
- Investigators would like to thank those who have offered valuable information or assistance to the investigation to date. They would encourage anyone who they may or may not have spoken to previously, to come forward.
- Gardaí understand that allegiances / relationships may have changed over the years and therefore they may now be better placed to speak to them.
Gardaí at Milford Garda Station investigating. Tel: (074) 9167100
On this month’s Crimecall Garda Adrian Corcoran was in studio to deliver a road safety message in relation to driver fatigue. Fatigue occurs when a physical and mental impairment brought on by the lack of sleep puts you more at risk of nodding off while driving, therefore increasing the risk of being involved in a collision.
Adrian highlighted that research has shown that tired drivers are a major road safety risk both to themselves and to others and that driver fatigue could be a contributing factor to 1 in 5 driver deaths in Ireland.
Tiredness related collisions are 3 times more likely to result in death or serious injury because of the high impact speed and lack of avoiding action. These collisions tend to occur when our body rhythms are at a natural low point during the early hours of the morning (2am – 6am) and in late afternoon (3pm – 5pm).
A recent survey showed that 28% of motorists in Ireland say they have fallen asleep or nodded off, even if only for a moment while driving. Among people who drive for work, this increased to 33% for people who drive to work, who say they have fallen asleep or nodded off even if only for a moment when driving.
Risk Factors
Studies have shown that the groups most at risk from driver fatigue are:
- Ø Young male drivers
- Ø People working night shifts
- Ø Those who drive for a living such as commercial drivers
- Ø People with sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea
- Ø Medication
- Ø People suffering from Lack of Sleep
Young male drivers are most commonly involved in sleep related road collisions, but this may be because they are more likely to drive in situations which are likely to lead to fatigue rather than because they are more susceptible to falling asleep at the wheel.
People working night shifts are at risk especially after the first night of a shift cycle when the body has not yet acclimatised to a change in sleep patterns
People who drive for a living such as truck drivers and company car drivers often drive for long hours and drive during the peak times for sleep related collisions.
Those suffering from sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea are at a higher risk of falling asleep while driving. Obstructive sleep apnoea is a disorder that affects 5 – 10% of the adult population and is the most common sleep disorder causing daytime sleepiness. Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea are up to 7 times more likely to have a road traffic collision than the general population as a result of sleepiness. There are effective treatment programmes available for those who suffer from sleep Apnoea.
Some medicines can cause daytime sleepiness. Many of the over the counter treatments for colds, flu and hay-fever, that can be bought without a doctor’s prescription, also cause unwanted sleepiness which might impair driving.
Anybody who is driving and suffering from a lack of sleep is susceptible to falling asleep at the wheel.
What can you do to minimise risk?
If fighting sleep at the wheel, the best action to take is to stop, get a cup of coffee or a caffeinated energy drink and then take a 15-minute nap.
Research shows that the caffeine takes effect about 15 to 20 minutes after drinking it. Therefore, you should drink the coffee first and when you wake up from your nap you get the double benefit of the sleep and the caffeine as it starts to kick in. That is why the advice is to sip before you sleep.
Don’t sleep longer than 15 or 20 minutes as you might wake up feeling groggy. It’s a good idea to set the alarm on your phone to prevent over sleeping.
If you have no access to a caffeinated drink, take a nap as this is the most important tactic. Doing this on its own will help significantly. The coffee is a bonus. If you are planning a journey, keep a caffeinated energy drink in the car, or take a flask of coffee with you.
In cases of extreme tiredness, brought on by sleep deprivation, the only cure for such lack of sleep is sleep.
Don’t be tempted to keep driving when you are tired just because you are close to your destination. Many tiredness related collisions occur within a few minutes of the driver’s destination because they have relaxed and the body takes this as a signal that it is alright to fall asleep.
Tactics such as opening the window, turning up the volume on the radio or going for a walk do not work and no amount of will power will keep you awake. You should never fight sleep at the wheel.
The advice is STOP - SIP - SLEEP.