Gardaí at Trim Garda Station are investigating a burglary that occurred on the 30th December 2023 at Mc Laughlin’s Pub in Ballivor, Co. Meath.
On the morning in question, at approximately 3:45am, a black hatchback car, which Gardaí believe to be a Renault Laguna, was seen entering the village. The car parked in a nearby housing estate. Two male suspects exited the car and walked to the village, where they spent a considerable amount of time in the vicinity of Mc Laughlin’s Public House - laneways beside the pub and in gardens across the road.
The two men then attempted to open the door of a nearby bookmakers using a screwdriver. They then went to a building site across the road and emerged with two pieces of scaffolding. One of the suspects returned to the suspect car and drove it from the estate onto the Kinnegad Road where it parked. The two suspects then went to the rear of the Pub where they proceeded to force open the rear shutter and door. Upon entering, they spent some time in the pub before leaving and returning to the suspect car. The car left Ballivor via the Kinnegad Road. A quantity of cash was taken during the Burglary.
Garda Appeal
- Gardaí wish to appeal to anyone who may have been in Ballivor Village, Co. Meath, between 3:40am and 4:40am on 30th December 2023 and who may have seen anyone suspicious in the village during that time.
- Do you recall seeing a black hatchback car, most likely a Renault Laguna 2007-2014 model in the area? The front left passenger side wheel was a steel wheel as opposed to alloy wheels on the others.
- Did you sell a similar car in the weeks leading up to the New Year?
- Do you recognise the two suspects or have any knowledge as to their identities?
- This has not only impacted a small rural family business, it was an intrusion on a small community at a time when families had come together to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. If you think you can assist the investigation with that critical piece of information - please contact us.
Description of Suspects:
Suspect 1:
- Stocky build
- Height 5ft. 8 to 5ft. 10 approximately
- Dark jacket with a light coloured Gillet top, dark jeans and dark runners
- Most likely left-handed
- Carrying what appears to be a screwdriver and scaffolding poles
- Appears to be the man in charge, directing all of the activity
Suspect 2:
- Age - late teens/early twenties
- Height - 6ft. approximately
- Athletic build
- Dark tracksuit with lighter colour hood, light coloured socks and dark runners
On this month’s Crimecall, Sergeant John Fitzpatrick was in studio discussing retail theft and Operation Táirge, an operation that supports operational activity aimed at detecting and preventing Organised Retail Crime.
In the year to date (to 20th of March 2024) there have been 6,772 “Theft from Shop incidents” reported to An Garda Siochána, this is an increase on the same period in 2023 of 6,288 reported incidents.
Theft from Shop incidents reported to An Garda Síochána very often have associated crime incidents reported, whereby a staff member may have been assaulted, threatened or had goods damaged.
For example, in the year to date (January to March 2024) there have been 49 reported Assault incidents, 54 Public Order Incidents, 19 Criminal Damage incidents and 13 Possession of Offensive Weapons incidents associated with Theft from Shop reports to An Garda Síochána.
Working in the Retail Industry
Working in the retail industry can be a rewarding career and retailers provide an essential service to so many communities. All individuals involved in the retail sector deserve to work in a safe environment along with their customers.
Retail is generally a safe environment to work in; however, retail theft is not a victimless crime. Retail theft has an economic impact on the retail sector and it can also impact on the personal safety of retail staff who deserve a safe workplace. An Garda Síochána endeavour to support retail workers and assist businesses in preventing crime through positive engagement. An Garda Síochána also wish to raise awareness regarding the consequences associated with retail theft for the offender and the communities in which they operate.
An Garda Síochána are taking a strategic approach to address the issue of retail crime. The introduction of a new operation, Operation Táirge, will see An Garda Síochána provide reliable and effective high visibility and targeted patrols in addition to utilising an intelligence-led approach to identifying criminals engaging in retail crime. This will help to provide a safe and unhindered shopping experience for members of the public and retailers alike.
Operation Táirge
Operation Táirge is an operation that supports operational activity aimed at detecting and preventing Organised Retail Crime (ORC). The Operation has been established as part of An Garda Síochána’s Crime Prevention and Reduction Strategy in an effort to reduce the detrimental impact which criminals can have on retail businesses when they steal their goods.
Operation Táirge was launched in December 2023 by Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee T.D. and Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Neale Richmond T.D. The launch was also attended and supported by a number of retail representative groups.
Operation Táirge works on a nationwide basis, focusing on reducing organised retail crime through the following methods:
- Using an intelligence-led approach to identify criminals engaging in retail crime
- Disrupting the most prolific groups in operation through the use of organised crime legislation and proceeds of crime legislation
- Working with retailers to strengthen their security and prevent them becoming victims of this criminality
- Supporting those working in retail to report a crime
- Identifying and targeting the areas where ORC black markets operate, and their leadership
- Working with high risk retailers to enhance prevention, investigation and prosecution
- Deterring people from becoming involved in organised retail crime by raising awareness of the consequences of committing such offences.
What can I do as a retailer?
An Garda Síochána encourages retailers to engage with Gardaí locally and report all incidents of retail theft along with associated incidents, e.g. antisocial behaviour.
A proactive step a retailer can take is to review the security and layout of their store. This can be carried out with the assistance of a Divisional Crime Prevention Officer.
Divisional Crime Prevention Officers are available to provide advice to retailers regarding their store layout and security. Crime Prevention Officer information can be found on the Garda website here:
https://www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/who-is-my-local-crime-prevention-officer-/
Information regarding “Protecting your Business” can also be found here: https://www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/protecting-your-business/
What can the Community do to support retailers if they see something suspicious?
- Notify a staff member
- Notify a security guard
- Do not approach or engage with an individual who is acting suspiciously or committing a criminal act
- In the case of an emergency, ring 999/112
Gardaí at Blanchardstown Garda Station are investigating an attempted burglary at a business premises in an industrial estate in Dublin 15 on 25th October 2023. On the night in question, a male travelling in a Ford Transit vehicle, registration 08D67849, accessed the building site under false pretences. He was confronted by people working on the site. The suspect along with 2/3 other males, then fled on foot. The Ford Transit van was recovered by Gardaí at the scene. However, it was established that the van had been recently purchased using false details.
Description of Suspect:
- Male
- 25 – 27 years
- Hair: Short, red mixed with light gold colour
- Forehead: No folds on skin, small black spot over eye (right)
- Eyebrows: Fair in colour
- Bloodshot eyes
- Face: Thin shape, complexion white and red mix, no facial hair, square jaw. Dry lips - red.
- Spoke slowly
- Clothes: Light grey hoodie and high vis
Gardaí in Santry are investigating a Sexual Assault at Clanhugh Road, Donnycarney, Dublin 5, on the 24th of September 2023 between 9:50 and 10:05pm.
On the date in question, the victim got off the bus and started walking home. As she turned onto Clanhugh Road, she was approached by an unknown male who tried to make conversation with her. The victim was then grabbed, but managed to free herself and continue home.
Suspect description:
- Aged in his 30’s
- 5’7’’ or 5’6’’ in height
- Wearing black clothing and a cycling helmet
- Dark skinned and spoke with a South American accent
- Black hair, stubble beard, thick eyebrows and carrying a food delivery bag
The Gardaí at Gort Station are investigating all the circumstances of the death of Emer O'Loughlin (23 years) at Ballybornagh, Tubber, Co. Clare.
On the 8th April 2005, human remains were discovered in a mobile home close to where Emer lived with her boyfriend. The mobile home which belonged to a man named John Griffin had been completely destroyed by fire - the human remains discovered inside were later identified as being Emer O’Loughlin’s.
On the 19th May 2010, investigating Gardaí exhumed Emer’s remains, which were then removed to Galway University Hospital where forensic anthropology tests were conducted. The tests indicated that Emer had died a violent death, and as a result the investigation was upgraded to that of murder.
Investigating Gardaí are hopeful that the public can assist with efforts to trace John Griffin, formerly of the Mervue area of Galway City. Gardaí believe that John Griffin may have information that will assist them and are eager to interview him as part of the investigation.
Garda Appeal:
- Do you have any information that may assist with the investigation? We may have spoken to you previously and due to the passage of time you may now feel better placed to assist with the investigation.
- Have you seen or spoken to John Griffin at the time and / or in the intervening years? AKA Fozzie Griffin
- Do you know the current whereabouts of John Griffin?
- Emer’s family are still struggling to come to terms with her loss and are asking for your assistance in order to bring them closure. If you believe you may be in a position to bring closure and get justice for them, we would like to hear from you. Be assured you will be treated with sensitivity and compassion by the investigation team.
- Gardaí are of the belief that John Griffin is still alive and at the time of his disappearance he was assisted by a person or persons unknown in leaving the island of Inis Mór.
- AGS have never received a Missing Person report in respect of John Griffin. Extensive searches were conducted along the coastline following the finding of his clothing, however he has never been sighted nor has his body ever been recovered.
Description of John Griffin
- Height – 180cm (5 ft. 11in)
- Age – 56
- Build – Slight
- Accent – Local
- Other – Bald on top of head. Often sported a beard, which he shaved off on occasion. Known by many by his nickname “Fozzie”.
- Tattoo - throat area – described as an Egyptian “eye of Horus”.
An Garda Síochána are conducting a review of the investigation into the murder of Liam Murray. This year marks the 15th anniversary of Liam Murray’s murder. On Friday the 20th of March 2009 Liam (42 years) was discovered deceased at his home in Rockbrook Cottages, Edmondstown Road, Rathfarnham Dublin 16. A Post Mortem later confirmed he died as a result of gunshot injury. Gardaí are making a direct appeal for information to assist the investigation surrounding the circumstances of his death.
Rockbrook Cottages are located on the Edmonstown Road in close proximity to the Merry Ploughboy Public House. Liam Murray was known amongst his friends as “Blackie” due to the fact he was mechanic, a reference to the colour of his hands. He was described as 5ft 10in in height, stocky build, with short, dark brown, curly hair.
Investigations have shown that Liam spent a large part of St. Patrick’s Day 2009 in the Headline Bar on Clanbrassil Street in Dublin 8, before making his way towards his home at Rockbrook Cottages at around 6:20pm.
On that day Liam was driving a black Mitsubishi Pajero. The last known contact with Liam was on that same evening 17th of March 2009.
There has been an extensive investigation, with close to 2000 lines of enquiry to date.
We are very grateful for all those who have come forward and assisted with the investigation and provided information during the intervening years. However, we are appealing for assistance from the public with regard to the ongoing investigation. It is never too late to come forward and help bring closure for Liam’s family.
Garda Appeal:
- Any person who met, spoke or had any interaction with Liam Murray leading up to the discovery of his body on the 20th of March 2009.
- Did you speak to Liam on that St. Patrick’s Day or notice any activity around his home between St. Patrick’s Day and Friday the 20th of March 2009?
- Did you have interactions through the motor trade where Liam worked prior to St. Patrick’s Day?
- Gardaí believe that there are still persons who have information on Liam’s murder who haven’t yet spoken to Gardaí or may have spoken to Gardaí but were not in a position to disclose all the information known to them.
- We are appealing to these persons, 15 years later, to please speak to our investigative team. Liam’s death will have been a talking point over the years and you may hold that critical piece of information. Liam’s family remain devastated by his untimely death and are still struggling to come to terms with their loss.
- The primary focus of this investigation is the victim, Liam Murray and his family. The investigation team are seeking to gather all available information /evidence to bring this matter to a positive conclusion.
- I would urge persons with any information in relation to this murder investigation to please contact the investigation team at Terenure Garda Station 01 6666400, Crimecall 1800405060, local Garda Station or the Garda Confidential line 1800666111.
We together with his family are appealing for your help. Please be assured that any assistance will be treated with sensitivity and compassion.
The Garda Active Mobility Project began as a pilot in December 2017 in Limerick and was headed up by then Chief Superintendent Dave Sheahan. The project involved the rollout of Samsung Galaxy Note 10 mobile phones with access to Garda systems that could be accessed from the roadside.The device scans the registration plates and automatically returns relevant data. The device can also scan a driving licence and automatically return real time information on the roadside to the Garda. This has proved successful in identifying false or forged driving licences and disqualified drivers.
The pilot was a huge success and AGS have now rolled out almost 11,800 mobility devices to operational members across the country. Gardaí now have access to a range of information on the Garda PULSE system in the palm of their hands which include the following:
Traffic App
With the Traffic App, a Garda can type or scan the registration of the car and the app will instantly provide information about the tax, insurance, NCT,advice if there are any Garda or Police Service of Northern Ireland warnings and whether the vehicle is stolen. Gardaí can also view all incidents that the vehicle is linked to, such as traffic collisions or crimes.
Person Search
With the person search app, Gardaí can instantly check for all information about a person on the PULSE system, including any warnings or warrants. This is very helpful for the safety of Gardaí as well as apprehending persons who are wanted on warrant by the Courts.
Insurance App
The most recent addition to the Mobility Device is the Insurance database in the Traffic App. When a member enters a vehicle registration number into the Traffic App, the app will search the insurance database for the insurance policy attached to that vehicle. We can now see the policy number, policy holder details and named driver details for the policy. We can also see if the policy was cancelled and, of course, if a car has no insurance. This has led to a significant increase in the detection of people driving without insurance. There was a 25% increase in vehicles being detained for no insurance during the first two weeks of the new App.
Since the 16th November 2023, The Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) are providing An Garda Síochána with motor insurance information on a daily basis, so the information on the Traffic App is updated every 24 hours. This technology advancement and collaboration with the MIBI and insurance companies and brokers is a game changer in tackling this problem.
Future Developments
The Mobility Team in Garda Headquarters continue to work to develop new Apps and improve existing ones to equip operational members of An Garda Síochána with cutting edge technology to detect and fight crime. It is hoped that the traffic app will include more information on driving licences and fleet insurance policies in the not too distant future which will greatly assist Roads Policing.
Gardaí at Blanchardstown Garda Station are investigating the unauthorised taking of a grey Toyota Rav4, registration 211-D-5559 from the Luttrellstown, Dublin 15 area at some stage between 9:30pm on 21st February and 5:40am on 22nd February 2024.
The Roads Policing Unit based at Delvin, Co. Westmeath were subsequently conducting a speed check on the N4 Westbound at Junction 14, The Downs, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath and came across this vehicle travelling at a speed of 184km in a 100km zone. The Toyota Rav4 continued for approximately 20km at high speed on the N4 to a location called Leny. The car then turned and drove back towards Mullingar. The vehicle subsequently drove eastbound on the westbound lane on the N4 from Junction 17 and exited at Junction 16 going the wrong way up the ramp and turning right into Mullingar Town.
Garda Appeal:
- Were you in the Luttrellstown, Dublin 15 area on the night of the 21st into the morning of the 22nd February 2024? Did you notice anyone acting suspicious in the area?
- Gardaí at Delvin Roads Policing Unit have described both the driver of the vehicle and the passenger as black males. Do you recall seeing a grey Rav4 211-D-5559 on the N4 on the 25th February driving at speed?
- Do you recall seeing this vehicle driving eastbound on the westbound lane on the N4? Did you see this vehicle exiting the entrance of the N4 at junction 16 and turning in the direction of Mullingar Town? Do you have dashcam footage?
- Do you have information on the current whereabouts of this vehicle, or the identity of either suspects - please contact Gardaí.