29 January 2024

Internet Safety Day takes place on the 6th of February 2024, the theme of Internet Safety Day – “Tech In Our World” is to create awareness of a better internet for ALL users in particular children and young people.

In Ireland Safer Internet Day is coordinated by Web wise, a brilliant resource and support for schools, teachers, parents and families. An Garda Síochána work with Webwise around the year promoting online safety. As part of the Garda Schools programme we visit schools around the country to talk to children and young people about safe and respectful communication online.

Safer Internet Day is a community-wide initiative which sees children, teens, teachers, schools and clubs lead online safety campaigns in their own communities.

One part of the school’s programme features internet safety which is delivered in conjunction with Webwise – Connect with Respect which offers step by step advice to post primary school students. (www.webwise.ie) 

The internet is very much a part of our children and teens lives, with children and teens spending more time online. Familiarise yourself with resources available to you such as Webwse.ie

Schools, teachers, children, organisations can all get involved Safer Internet Day, there’s lots of great lessons and resources available on webwise.ie.

Top Tips for Parents / Guardians this Safer Internet Day:

1. GET INFORMED

There’s lots of great resources available for parents - Get started by visiting webwise.ie/parents. You'll find expert advice, how to guides, explainers and helpful talking points for parents.

2. HAVE THE CHAT

Have regular conversations with your child about online activity and the important things to look out for online and any potential risks. Supervise online activity.

3. AGREE RULES / SET BOUNDARIES

Agree on a clear set of rules in your home about internet use and around screen time. Remember the importance of a healthy balance. Cut off internet access at 8pm for example. There are full instructions on the Webwise.ie with regard to how to restrict access device and limit time. (This can be done by configuring the access control on the wi-fi router.

4. ASK FOR HELP

Reassure your child that they can always come talk to you about anything that comes up online. If you have concerns, contact your local Garda Station.

5. LEAD BY EXAMPLE 

Modelling behaviour is the most powerful way you can influence your child's behaviour. The internet when used correctly is a great resource for children.

6. JOIN IN

Browse online together or Play your child’s favourite computer game and discover the online world together.

Advice to adults - to be aware online: 

• Consider the information that you intend to share/disclose – Do you have to.
• Think before you open a link on an unsolicited message.
• Sharing information about your children.
• Try to avoid posting publicly about - Holidays, weddings, funerals.
• Competitions - disclosing personal information

These educational videos have been supplied courtesy of Webwise: -

• The Full Picture https://vimeo.com/457720222
• Be Kind Online - Aines story: https://vimeo.com/448849526
• Be Kind online Donal's Story: https://vimeo.com/448855325?share=copy
• Be in ctrl: https://vimeo.com/289090948

The Gardaí at Shannon Garda station are investigating all the circumstances surrounding the death of Patrick Nugent. On Friday, February 10th 1984, a party was held in “The Barn” in Bunratty Folk Park, Co. Clare, to celebrate the 40th wedding anniversary of William & Chrissie Ryan. William Ryan was well- known in the area and held a prominent position as ‘Head Chef’ for Aer Rianta in Shannon Airport.

Patrick Nugent was the banquet manager for the event on the night and had responsibility for the party’s smooth running.

The Event:

Approximately (60) invited guests attended the party which was held in a building known as ‘The Barn’ on the grounds of Bunratty Folk Park. Some of the guests parked their cars in a courtyard located directly opposite to ‘The Barn’ while others utilised the public carpark located outside the Folk Park.

A buffet meal was served on the night and entertainment was provided by a local band. At approximately 3am on 11th February 1984 the band stopped playing and guests began to leave.

At approximately 4am, Patrick Nugent assisted William Ryan in bringing anniversary gifts out to William Ryan’s car which was parked in the courtyard outside ‘The Barn’.

A short time later, some guests were still in the function room of ‘The Barn’ and some members of staff who were in the kitchen area of ‘The Barn’ heard a noise outside.

A number of guests and staff members went the short distance from the Function Room and the kitchen to the courtyard area. They observed Patrick Nugent lying at the entrance door which leads to the courtyard. He had received injuries from which he later died.

Crimecall interviewed Patrick’s brothers John and Martin. Patrick was their eldest brother, someone who they looked up to. Patrick had a great work ethic - whether it was working at home on the family farm or at Bunratty. If Patrick was alive today, he would be approaching his 64th birthday and the Nugent Family have missed out on sharing many happy family occasions with him.

Investigation:

This is a fresh investigation into all the circumstances that lead to Patrick’s death.  As a result, an incident room has been established in Shannon Garda Station to investigate the matter. 

Investigating Gardaí are conscious that the original investigation was carried out almost 40 years ago.  The investigation team are now re-examining and reviewing all available material and are utilising modern day investigative techniques. It is hoped that with advances in technology the investigation can be progressed and bring closure to the Nugent family. The investigation team are currently interviewing witnesses who attended the party.

Garda Appeal: 

• Are you in a position to bring closure to Patrick’s family who deserve to know what happened to their loved one?
• Do you have any information in your possession that may assist with establishing the circumstances surrounding the death of Patrick? You may not have been able to unburden yourself until now – but with the passage of time, or a change in personal circumstances, you may have information which you were unable to share previously. We want to assure you we will treat you with compassion and sensitivity.
• The investigation is currently focused on all those who attended the party on the night as either a guest or a member of staff. Do you now recall something that previously you were unable to share with the investigation?
• Are you a family member or friend of anyone who attended the party? You may be able to assist the investigation? Do you have photographs which were taken on the night?
• If you possess any information, no matter how small or insignificant you feel it may be, please give the investigation team the opportunity of assessing what it is you have to say.
• Please contact the Incident Room - Shannon Garda Station on (061)-365-900

       Garda confidential number - 1800 666111 or Crime call on 1800 40 50 60.

Gardaí in Ballymun are investigating a burglary that took place in Willow Park Avenue, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 between 4.45 and 5.45 pm on 14 November 2023.

On the date in question the victim left her house to do some shopping. On her way back she was stopped by a man who told her she had forgotten something in the shop. She returned to the shop and discovered that nothing had been left behind.

When she returned home the victim reported a burglary at her home and that a significant amount of cash had been taken.

Suspect description

• Male in his early 30’S
• 5’7- 5’8 in Height
• Thin build
• Dublin Accent
• Small Eyes
• Brown Hair
• Navy/ black Puffy Jacket

Gardaí in New Ross are investigating a theft that occurred at a house in Ard Álainn, New Ross, Co. Wexford at 11:45am on Thursday 7th December 2023.

On the date in question two male suspects travelling in a small silver van with partial reg 06 called to the victim’s house offering a gutter cleaning service. After the gutters had been cleaned, one of the male suspects was showing the victim the work done, when the second male entered the house alone.

After the men left the victim discovered that a significant sum of money which had been placed inside envelopes had been taken from his home.

Evo Suspect Description:

• 5ft8 to 5ft10
• Medium build
• Short black hair
• Slight Cork accent but indicated he was from Enniscorthy

Gardaí in Midleton, Co. Cork are investigating the discovery of remains that were discovered by workers at a construction site on the Midleton to Youghal Greenway, just off the Shanty Path at Roxborough, Midleton, Co. Cork on Tuesday 5 January 2021. 

On the date in question, workers from Cork County Council were clearing an area just off the railway which had been used as an illegal dumping ground for a number of years. This area was not accessible as a walkway and it was overgrown with shrubbery, trees and weeds.  

The workers were in the process of clearing the site with a digger on 5th January 2021 and at approximately 4.30 – 5pm they discovered the human remains.  

An extensive Garda investigation has been led by Superintendent Adrian Gamble. A full post mortem was carried out and DNA samples obtained. Unfortunately, when set against the National DNA Database a match was not obtained. The services of the Missing Persons Unit and the Garda National Protective Services Bureau were engaged.

Description of deceased: 

• Remains believed to be that of a female aged approximately 70 years +
• Height approximately 5’0 to 5’2’’ (when alive)
• Large framed
• Suffered from arthritis
• Wore dentures
• Was wearing a faded white garment on the upper body
• Flat black shoes

Gardaí Appeal: 

• Someone in the community must know how the female skeletal remains came to be at this locally known “tipping point” off the Shanty Path at Roxborough, Midleton, Co. Cork.
• An Garda Síochána are determined to formally identify the deceased and treat her with the respect and dignity that she deserves.
• An Garda Síochána want and need to provide closure for a family that, at this early stage, remain unknown and ensure that the remains are brought to a final resting place.
• House-to-house enquiries have been undertaken in the local area, local missing person records have been reviewed as have missing person records retained by the Garda National Missing Persons Unit.
• Gardaí are appealing to the public for any information, no matter how small, they might have to help. 
• As part of their renewed appeal, Gardaí have released an image of the shoe, which was discovered with the remains.

Gardaí at Waterford Station are investigating the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Michal Piotrowski of New Ross, Co. Wexford.  Michal was last seen leaving the Waterford University Hospital area and turning left onto Dunmore Road and then onto Nursery Lane on the 19th December 2023.

Crimecall interviewed Michal’s daughter Ewa and granddaughter Klaudia who spoke about the upset Michal’s disappearance has had on their family. Michal is without his medication and the family are very concerned for his wellbeing. 

Extensive searches have been carried out by An Garda Síochána, the Marine Search and Rescue and the Coast Guard.

Garda Appeal

• Were you in the Waterford University Hospital vicinity at the time Michal was last seen and do you recall seeing him?
• Were you in the Waterford City area at the time of Michal’s disappearance?
• Have a look at Michal’s photo - Do you recall seeing a male matching his description?  Michal may also have changed appearance / changed looks.
• If you were in the area at the time – Do you have dash cam footage?

Description

• Approximately 5’6” height
• Approximately 65 kg weight
• Short Grey/Black hair (may be longer now)
• Green eyes
• White skin
• Speaks in a Polish / English accent
• Has missing teeth
• Last seen wearing a large tan coloured jacket, dark trousers, black shoes and had a black coloured satchel.

Cycling has become a popular mode of transport in Ireland for both leisure activities and for commuting to work, school & college. Most of the large cities throughout the country have responded to this increase by installing bicycle rental schemes and providing cycle lanes. 

Cycling - can be dangerous. As a cyclist, you are one of the most vulnerable road users and all cyclists must take personal responsibility for their and others safety while out on the roads.

Last year (43) cyclists were issued with a fixed penalty notice for cycling past a red traffic light. A total of (18) cyclists were prosecuted for riding a bicycle without due care and attention. As a vulnerable road user, these offences can lead to serious injury or death. Last year (7) cyclists lost their lives on our roads.

Tips for Safe Cycling:

• Keep your bicycle road worthy – check tyres and chain. Make sure lights and bell are fitted and in working order
• Wear a helmet
• Use correct hand signals
• Don’t wear headphones or use you phone while cycling
• Think ahead, be observant
• Use cycle tracks where provided
• Wear high visibility clothing
• Be aware of blind spot areas on larger vehicles
• Be aware of cycling offences

Cycling Offences:

Regulation	Description of Offence:	Fixed Charge
4(a)	No front lamp or rear lamp lit during lighting-up hours on a pedal cycle.	€40
4(b)	Cyclist driving a pedal cycle without reasonable consideration.	€40
4(c)	Cyclist failing to stop for a School Warden sign.	€40
4(d)	Cyclist proceeding past traffic lights when the red lamp is illuminated.	€40
4(d)	Cyclist proceeding beyond a stop line, barrier or half barrier at a railway level crossing, swing bridge or lifting bridge, when the red lamps are flashing.	€40
4(d)	Cyclist proceeding into a pedestrianised street or area.	€40
4(d)	Cyclist proceeding past cycle traffic lights when red lamp is lit.	€40

Tips for Motorists:

• Keep a look out for cyclists, especially at junctions.
• Keep your distance when passing a cyclist.
• Check your mirrors before opening the car door.
• Be patient.
• Do not block the cycle box at junctions.

Gardaí at Navan Garda Station are investigating a burglary that occurred on Monday 26th June 2023 shortly before 11pm in Kilberry, on the outskirts of Navan, Co. Meath.  On the night in question, two male suspects were seen running from St. John The Baptist Church carpark towards Kilberry crossroads and into Kilberry Pub and Kitchen. The males produced weapons and demanded phones and wallets from customers in the pub. One of the males then forced a member of staff to empty the contents of the till before bringing them to a back office and taking the contents of the safe. The two men then left the pub and ran back in the direction of the Church.

Garda Appeal

• To the local community – Do you have any information about this crime?
• Can you identify the suspects from the CCTV? One of the suspects is believed to have spoken with a local accent.
• Did you see the suspects’ silver saloon car? Were you in the Kilberry area on 26th June 2023, or have you CCTV or dashcam footage at or near the area? The investigation team would welcome the opportunity to examine it.

Suspect Descriptions:

Suspect 1:

• 40’s  
• 5’ 7’’ - 5’ 8’’ 
• Stocky
• Balaclava  
• North Face hoodie  
• Black tracksuit bottoms
• Iron bar

Suspect 2: 

• 20s / 30s  
• 6’ 6’’ - 6’ 7” 
• Slim build 
• Black face covering 
• Black Kappa top  
• Machete