16 December 2024

Episode Date

Burglary at a Service Station – Ballybrittas, Co. Laois

Gardaí at Portlaoise Garda Station are investigating a burglary incident that occurred at a Service Station in Ballybrittas, Co. Laois. On 25th August 2024 at approximately 3:50am a dark coloured BMW entered the village of Ballybrittas. It turned right onto the main street, passing the local service station. It then returned back and parked on the opposite side of the road from the Service Station.

Two suspects exited the car, one of them appeared to be keeping watch while the other suspect crossed the road and walked around the service station. The first male then went back to the car and opened the boot. Two other suspects exited the car and all four males approached the front window of the premises carrying hammers and a crowbar. They broke the lock on the shutter and gained access to the building. They filled a box with vapes and tobacco products and a donation box was also taken. All four males then ran from the premises, and entered the dark coloured BMW. The vehicle then drove towards the R445 in the direction of Monastervin, Co. Kildare.

Garda Appeal

Gardaí are asking the public to look at the CCTV and appeal to anyone who can identify the suspects
Did you see a dark coloured BMX acting suspiciously from 3.50am on 25th August 2024?
Have you been offered a quantity of vapes and tobacco since that date?
Were you on the R445 on the date in question and do you have dash cam footage saved, anytime from 3:50am?

Suspect 1:

Slim Build

Grey hat

Black tracksuit top (reflective strips)

Black tracksuit bottoms

Grey runners

Black face covering

Purple gloves

Suspect 2:

Slim Build

Grey baseball cap

Grey hoodie (black shoulders)

Grey tracksuit bottoms

Black runners

Black gloves

Suspect 3:

Slim build

Grey hoodie

Black bottoms

Black runners

Suspect 4:

Slim build

Grey gillet

Black hoodie

Black bottoms

Black runners

Evofit – Burglaries, Cliffoney, Co. Sligo

Gardaí in Sligo are investigating a number of burglaries that occurred in the Cliffoney area of Sligo between 4pm and 5.10pm on the 17th May 2024.

One of the victims returned home and came across two suspects who were in his home. They ran from the house and the victim observed a Ford Focus leaving the area at speed.

It was subsequently discovered that a neighbouring house had also been the subject of a burglary.

It is believed the suspects were travelling in a green Ford Focus – 04DL2307 which had been registered using false details.

Suspect description

Suspect 1 (Evofit)

Suspect 2

Vehicle

Green Ford Focus – registration 04DL2307

Missing person Investigation – Imelda Keenan – Waterford City

Gardaí at Waterford station are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of twenty-two-year-old Imelda Keenan - missing since Monday 3rd January 1994 in Waterford.

Imelda was originally from Mountmellick, Co. Laois, but had settled in Waterford City where she lived in an apartment with her boyfriend.

On the day she went missing, Imelda had indicated to her boyfriend that she was going to the post office in the town, when she left her apartment at 1.30pm and walked down William Street onto Lombard Street.

The last definite sighting of Imelda is at this time when she was seen crossing the road by a local woman who knew her well. The woman and a friend observed Imelda crossing the road at the corner of the Tower Hotel and Lombard Street.

Imelda was reported missing by her brother, Edward the following day. There have been no further positive sightings of Imelda, despite an extensive Garda investigation into her disappearance which has continued up to this day.

Appeal:

Superintendent Hegarty emphasized once again An Garda Síochána’s desire to bring closure to the Keenan family.
An age progression picture of Imelda was compiled recently - Imelda would be 53 years old today.
Gardaí are exploring the probability that Imelda is deceased and wish to emphasis their desire to establish what has happened her? Is this something you can assist with?
Maybe you have previously came forward and now have new information or perhaps we haven’t spoken with you previously. Either way you are encouraged to speak with us – we would like to assure you that you will be treated to empathy and compassion.

Perhaps you knew Imelda - particularly people from the Mountmellick and Waterford areas. Please come forward and speak with us?

Anyone who may have seen Imelda Keenan on this date (Bank Holiday) –
Any persons who may have resided or frequented 4/5 William Street or have resided /worked in Waterford during this period?
Did you know Imelda - particularly people from Mountmellick and Waterford areas? You may or may not be able to assist with the investigation, either way we would like to hear from you?

Roads Policing Message - An Garda Síochána Unveils Unmarked Motorcycles and High-Powered Patrol Cars

In a bid to combat distracted & dangerous driving and improve road safety, An Garda Síochána has introduced new tools to its Roads Policing Unit. Drivers across Ireland will now need to be more vigilant than ever, as unmarked motorcycles and high-powered Volkswagen Golf GTIs join the Roads Policing fleet to ensure safer roads.

Distracted driving, often caused by mobile phone use, adjusting in-car entertainment systems, or other inattentive behaviours, continues to be a factor in serious road incidents across the country. In response, An Garda Síochána’s latest initiative aims to identify and deter these behaviours through innovative and effective means.

Unmarked Motorcycles: A Closer Eye on the Road

The addition of unmarked motorcycles is a game-changer for monitoring distracted drivers. These bikes allow Gardaí to blend seamlessly into traffic, providing a discreet yet dynamic method of detecting offences. The slightly elevated vantage point offered by motorcycles as well as its versatility, enables Gardaí spot dangerous behaviour often hidden from view in larger vehicles.

These motorcycles are currently deployed on a trial basis, but are already showing great results. Unfortunately, it does indicate that when it comes to distracted driving habits, there is still a real issue on our roads. Our goal is not just enforcement but changing driver behaviour to ensure the safety of everyone on Irish roads.

Volkswagen Golf GTIs: Roads Policing’s Interceptors

The Roads Policing Unit has also integrated high-performance Volkswagen Golf GTIs into its fleet. Known for their agility, speed, and advanced technology, these cars are equipped to detect offences and intercept the offenders quickly and safely. Five vehicles are now operational across the country with more to come in 2025.

These vehicles feature cutting-edge systems, including on-board cameras and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), to identify unlicensed or uninsured drivers, track stolen vehicles, and enforce road traffic laws efficiently. The new cars will increase Gardaí’s ability to intercept and prosecute drivers for road traffic offences.

Educating Drivers and Preventing Accidents

While enforcement is a key component of this initiative, Gardaí emphasize that education remains a top priority. Alongside the deployment of these new vehicles, campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving will continue.

We hope the presence of unmarked vehicles will serve as a deterrent, encouraging drivers to think twice before picking up their phones or engaging in other unsafe behaviours.

The move comes amid growing concerns about road safety in Ireland. Recent statistics reveal a rise in fatalities. This year as of 8th December, 167 people have died on our roads. An Garda Síochána’s proactive measures are designed to address this trend and send a clear message: road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

As these new vehicles take to the roads, drivers are urged to remain alert and focused at all times. The Roads Policing Unit will maintain a visible presence alongside these covert operations to ensure that Irish roads are safe for all.

As we head into the festive season, our message remains the same:

Don’t drink or use drugs and drive.
Keep to the speed limit.
Don’t drive beyond your capabilities.
Never pick up your phone while you’re driving.
Concentrate on driving. Don’t let anything distract you
Remember, you have a responsibility for the safety of yourself & other road users.