29 April 2024

Gardaí at Loughrea Garda Station are investigating an Aggravated Burglary that occurred on Wednesday 31st January 2024 shortly before 2am.

On the morning in question, two men were seen on the Main Street and Weaver’s Rest area of Loughrea.  They stood at this junction for a few minutes before going back to the car park.  They then returned to Main Street and walked down Piggott Street where they remained for approximately 15minutes, observing a phone shop. 

The two suspects then approached the back door of the phone shop, forced open the bottom panel of the door and gained entry. The owner of the business was upstairs at the time and went to the top of the stairs.  The taller of the suspects stayed at the bottom of the stairs with what appeared to be a crowbar, while the smaller of the suspects placed items into a black bin bag.  The two suspects then swapped places and the taller suspect then placed more mobile phones into the black bin bag, while the smaller suspect stood at the bottom of the stairs. 

The two men then left the phone shop, exiting via the back door of the shop.  They continued out a gate, onto Piggott Street, turning right onto Main Street and then left onto Station Road.

In total 36 mobile phones to the value of €28,000 was taken during the course of this aggravated burglary.

Garda Appeal

• Anyone who may have been on Main Street, Loughrea, Co. Galway between 1:15am and 2:30am on 31st January 2024 and who may have seen anyone suspicious in the area during that time.
• Do you recall seeing the two suspects? One man is particularly tall and wore a green jacket. The second male is much shorter and wore a green jacket.
• Do you recognise the two suspects or know their identities?
• Have you been approached and offered any mobile phones?
• This incident has had a significant impact and financial cost to this local business. If you think you can assist the investigation in any way - please contact us.

Description of Suspects:

Suspect 1:

• Stocky build
• Height 6’2’’ to 6’4’’ approximately (187 – 193cm)
• Green jacket with dark jeans and black and white runners
• Carrying what appears to be an iron bar
• Appears to be the person in charge, directing the other suspect

Suspect 2:

• Height – 5’6’’ to 5’8’’ approximately (167 -172cm)
• Thin build
• Green jacket with dark jeans and black runners, carrying a backpack

On this month’s Crimecall, Sergeant John Fitzpatrick was in studio discussing farm security, offering advice on how to secure equipment to minimise risk of theft. 

In general, there has not been an increase in incidents over the last few years.

Theft incidents from Farmland including property and livestock:

2024** – 42 incidents

2023**   – 152 incidents

2022   – 166 incidents

Interestingly, during 2023, the majority of stolen objects incidents reported to An Garda Síochána (e.g. farm equipment, tools, fencing, etc.) were taken during weekday afternoons.

On the other hand, of the livestock theft incidents reported to An Garda Síochána, these are more likely to occur during the weekend period, particularly on Friday night.

Given that thefts can occur at any hour or day of the week, every premises can benefit from a security review at least once a year. This would entail taking a look from the perimeter of the property inwards and looking for areas of weakness. Some examples of areas of weakness would be damaged gates and poor fencing. A plan should be put in place to improve and increase security.

General farm safety advice:

Some simple but effective farm machinery theft prevention advice is outlined as follows:

• Restrict access to your property.
• Consider appropriate signage such as “private property”.
• Install gates and fix them to a sturdy concrete or metal post.
• Install fencing, hedges and walls – all should be robust, well maintained and checked regularly for breaches.

• Illuminate areas which are overlooked from the dwelling or covered by CCTV.

• Consider installing CCTV; CCTV will provide surveillance on places out of view of the farmhouse.
• Store tools and smaller machinery items in a building, close to the farmhouse, with enhanced security features, e.g. alarm, CCTV.
• Consideration can also be given to installing passive infrared sensors.

Passive Infrared Sensorsare triggered by motion and can record both video and audio, some also have night vision features. They are particularly useful at entrances to yards and remote farms and areas where high value items are stored.

These sensors are SIM enabled and battery operated with the option of solar panels - meaning no wiring and no broadband. They can be installed by a Private Security Authority (PSA) approved installer and you can avail of monitored service or have footage sent to your mobile phone. *Some network service providers are switching off their 3G networks, therefore, you should check with your installer if you experience any issues.

• Lock all vehicles.

• Fit an Immobiliser or use a physical steering wheel lock.
• Install a tracker.

• Remove keys from all vehicles and equipment and store in a secure location.
• Photograph machinery and tools. To get an idea of scale have someone stand beside larger items such as trailers or quads. Use a ruler for smaller items. Consideration could be given to using the Garda Property App to store this information.
• Consider joining a Community Alert scheme or starting your own.

All of these items act as a deterrent and can make your farm less attractive to a thief. 

Figures:

Farm Equipment thefts report to An Garda Síochána – 2023**

Year	Farming equipment stolen
2022	309
2023	328
2024	100

 

Livestock Thefts reported to An Garda Síochána – 2023**

Animal Type	Incidents	Stolen animals
Cattle	33	224
Sheep	31	363
Other Animals/livestock	22	44
Total	86	631

 

Livestock Thefts reported to An Garda Síochána – 01/01/2024 – 05/04/2024**

	Incidents	Stolen animals
Total	14	91

 

Garda Property App:

This is a free app developed by An Garda Síochána to allow you to record and index your property, for example, bicycles, laptops, farm machinery etc.  It will give you the facility to record the unique information associated with your property. Should your items be stolen, the app also provides a way of reporting this to An Garda Síochána and gives you the option to share information with us for this purpose.

You can record the make, model, serial number, colour, etc. relating to your property in addition to any unique features on equipment/property. You can also save photographs of your property.

In addition to the above information, you should consider marking your property with a uniquely identifiable brand in both obvious and secret locations and upload this data to the property app.

Your data will remain private until you wish to share it with An Garda Síochána.

The app is available to download for free from the Apple Store and Android Play.

https://www.garda.ie/en/angardasiochanaapp/

Crime Prevention Officer:

Within each Garda Division, there are specialist Crime Prevention Officers (CPOs). CPOs are trained to encourage, promote and advise on crime prevention in both private and business communities. Your local CPO can visit your farm and provide information on how to target harden your premises. Details regarding your local Crime Prevention Officer can be found here:

https://www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/who-is-my-local-crime-prevention-officer-/

The Gardaí at Tallaght Garda station are investigating the circumstances surrounding an incident of criminal damage caused to some 75 trees in Dodder Valley Park, a public amenity that lies between Rathfarnham and Tallaght in South Dublin. 

This park forms part of the recently established Dodder Greenway, a major undertaking by South Dublin County Council to provide an outdoor amenity to the people of South Dublin.

Sometime between the night of Friday the 19th of April and the early hours of Saturday the 20th of April, the trunks of some 25 mature trees and 50 saplings were cut, causing irreparable damage.

Investigating Gardaí believe that an electric (battery) or petrol powered chainsaw was used by the suspect(s).  The value of the damage caused has been estimated at €33,000.  The damage does not affect only South Dublin Council, but also those countless members of the public who enjoy this amenity on a daily basis.  The local community are making efforts to assist with replacing the trees.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information in relation to this crime, anyone with dash cam footage covering the surrounding areas or anyone who knows the identity of the suspect(s) to please make contact.

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 08-D-67849, 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 at Mountjoy Garda Station are investigating a Sexual Assault at Innisfallen Parade, Dublin 7 in the early hours of Sunday morning on 17th March 2024.

At approximately 3:55am, the victim was travelling home from the South Side of Dublin City Centre when she noticed a male following her.  She crossed the road over and back to ascertain if she was being followed, and the male crossed after her. During the incident, the male suspect approached and spoke to the victim and then grabbed her.  The woman then managed to free herself, but was left much shaken by the experience.

Description of Suspect

• Male
• Around 5’9” or 5’10” (175-177cm)
• Approximately 24 years.
• Very young looking / baby-faced
• Slim build
• Clean shaven with good clear skin
• Dark features
• Hair: short (not shaved) and dark, slick, maybe greasy or gel
• Light denim skinny jeans
• Blue quilted jacket
• Spoke with a Spanish / Romanian accent.

During the last four years alone, almost €60 million was stolen in investment frauds in Ireland, and there is evidence that it is a growing problem. So far this year, investment fraud has already risen by 125% and people need to be aware.

                                                                                               

How does it work?

• In many cases, the victim searches online for investment opportunities or sees an ad on social media or is contacted by text WhatsApp / phone call. The victim may then click on a link which can end up taking them to a cloned or fake website.  
• Often, they are then asked to complete basic contact details and are contacted very quickly by someone who sounds very knowledgeable. Fraudsters will offer what sounds like an exceptionally good investment opportunity – typical around 5% – 6% return – once in a lifetime offer - high return promised quickly – no risk – guaranteed return.
• The fraudster is following a script so will have a prepared reply for any possible questions. They will sound safe – knowledgeable – concerned for the victim – will work to build up rapport and say all the right things.

They will offer to help the victim with the investment – try and get the victim to download an app (like AnyDesk) – this allows the fraudster full control of victim’s computer or phone.

• The fraudster may provide charts / graphs etc. showing how well the investment is performing and encourage the person to invest more. But eventually, when the victim tries to cash out or asks too many questions or where the fraudster knows they have bled the victim dry, contact is cut off. On occasions, the victim is contacted by so-called recovery experts, who for a fee can get some of the money back – these are usually just an extension of the fraud.

Tactics used and warning signs to look out for:

• Take your time and listen to your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, then stop and question it. Remember that if it looks too good to be true, then it probably is.
• Offers of high return, no risk, short term guaranteed investments do not exist.
• Do not take investment advice from strangers. Fraudsters can be very convincing and will often create professional and genuine looking company websites. They may send you very legitimate looking brochures or promotional material and their fake products might even appear to be endorsed by celebrities or high-profile names. 
• Even where a number appears to be an Irish landline it may not be. Calls can be masked or spoofed to look genuine. Sometimes a fraudster will use the name of a legitimate firm (or a very similar name) to make their scam more believable. 
• No risk/high return investments do not exist
• Unsolicited contact
• Fraudsters can be very convincing
• Fake website/phone numbers

What you should always do:

• Always take your time with any investment, do your research and get independent professional investment advice before you commit to anything. The Central Bank’s SAFE test is at the following link:

https://www.centralbank.ie/consumer-hub/explainers/how-can-i-avoid-a-financial-services-scam

• Always check the Central Bank’s register to verify a firm’s details.  A list of unauthorised firms in respect of which the Central Bank has published warning notices can also be found on their website.
• Ensure you are on a real website and not a cloned or fake one.
• Do not invest based on social media introductions or ads.
• Do not engage with people who contact you out of the blue and offer you once in a lifetime opportunity.
• Be very wary where there is a sense of urgency / must be done now / never get this chance again.
• Be wary of anyone offering assistance to set up a trading platform or account on your computer. NEVER allow anyone to access your computer or to download software to your devices.
• If you think that you might have been a victim of an investment scam, do not send any more money to the firm or person in question, even if they say that you need to in order to ‘retrieve’ your initial investment.  Contact your bank, Gardaí and the Central Bank of Ireland as soon as you can.
• Take your time and listen to your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right then stop and question it.  Remember that if it looks too good to be true, then it probably is.

The Gardaí at Fermoy, Co. Cork are continuing to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Conor and Sheila Dwyer. On 30th April 1991 Conor and Sheila were seen together coming out of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, close to their home on Chapel Hill, Fermoy, Co. Cork.

The following day, 1st May 1991, Sheila spoke with her sister by phone. On the 19th May, Sheila’s birthday, her sister tried calling her, but there wasn’t any reply. Soon after, both of Sheila’s sisters went to the house, but found it empty. They reported the couple missing to Gardaí a few days later, on 22nd May.

Investigation:

When Gardaí attended at the couple’s home, they found both their passports along with around £1000 in cash - a substantial sum of money for the time. It was noted that some clothes were missing, but not much. Nothing was disturbed in the house or appeared out of the ordinary.

Conor’s car, a white Toyota Cressida registered number (5797 ZT) is still outstanding since the couples’ disappearance. While all ports were notified at the time, there were never any reports of the car having left the country.

 The car was registered to Conor and had recently been taxed in January 1991, and has never been re-registered in any other name.

Background to Conor and Sheila:

Conor Dwyer was 62 years of age at the time of disappearance and Sheila Dwyer had just turned 60 in May 1991. Sheila was a housewife and is described as a quiet person who was in good health. As a couple, while they are described as having kept to themselves, both were well known in the town of Fermoy and were always well dressed.

Conor worked as the caretaker in Castlelyons House, which was owned by a German business man at the time.  There was an array of high valued cars in the property which he was often seen driving throughout Fermoy. He was well known in Fermoy and the surrounding areas and had previously worked as a taxi driver. 

Descriptions of couple:

Conor Dwyer

(62) Years

Height - 5’8” (173cm)

Build - stocky

Tanned complexion

Receding hairline

Wore glasses

 

Sheila Dwyer

(60) Years

Height – 5’4” (162cm)

Fair complexion

Long blonde hair

Slim build

Open Case: 

This remains an open and active investigation and there has been numerous reviews throughout the years.   Lines of enquires have been followed up in numerous different areas with the entire case being fully reviewed at this time.  These enquires have lead Gardaí abroad as well as Ireland.  The River Blackwater has been searched on numerous occasions by the Garda Water unit.

 

Garda Appeal:

• We are appealing for Closure for Conor and Sheila’s family especially their two sons and are seeking the public’s assistance with the missing person’s investigation which is now 33 years old this week.
• The location of the White Toyota Cressida registration number 5797 ZT is deemed vital in this investigation and we believe could hold the key to solving Conor and Sheila’s disappearance. Where is it now?
• Did the couple visit the Cobh area?
• Did the couple visit any locations regularly or was the car seen in any locations in 1991?
• Do you recall speaking to Conor and Sheila around the time of their disappearance? Even the smallest piece of information could prove helpful and will be welcomed by investigating Gardaí.

Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV’s) are an integral part of our society. In 2017, HGV’s transported 147.2 million tonnes of goods around Ireland. They are vital to our economy, however due to their size and design, they pose a very real danger to pedestrians and cyclists.

There are significant blind spots at the front, nearside and rear of HGV’s that can completely mask a cyclist or pedestrian from the view of the driver. Demonstrations recently carried out by the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána have shown that a pedestrian in front of a high cab truck cannot be seen by the driver up to six meters from the front of the truck. On the nearside of a truck, a cyclist can be completely obscured from the driver’s view, unseen in any of the mirrors.

This is a very real issue. Last year (24) road users lost their lives due to a collision with a truck in our towns and cities.

An Garda Síochána advice:

• When crossing the road, use a designated crossing location such as a light controlled or zebra crossing.
• Never cross the road between traffic, especially in front of a truck
• When cycling, wear high visibility clothing and a helmet.
• Never cycle alongside a truck if there is a junction ahead.
• If you have to overtake a truck, do so as fast as possible, minimising the amount of time you spend in the blind spot.
• When stopped at a junction, do not wait alongside a truck. Proceed into the cycle box or wait behind.
• Take up a safe road position when in motion. Use correct hand signals.

  

Road Traffic Fatalities 2024

Unfortunately, road deaths are continuing to rise. Last year we had one of the highest number of fatalities in over a decade, and unfortunately this year that trend is continuing.

As of today, Monday 29th April, (70) people have lost their lives on our roads, an increase of (22) more than this time last year.

The North West of the country continues to have the highest proportion of fatalities with (21) so far this year, and (23) this time last year.

The highest proportion of deaths are in the age group of 16-25. This group represents over a quarter of fatalities at 28.6%.

These statistics are not just numbers - They are people, (63) of whom went out in their cars this year and never came home. People’s lives are being destroyed; families, friends, it’s a ripple effect.

We all have it in our power to change this trajectory. We are appealing to all road users to please:

• Drive within the speed limit
• Never ever drink or use drugs and drive
• Do not let anything distract you from driving
• Put your mobile phone away out of reach
• Wear your seatbelt
• Drive with caution and respect other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists
• Constantly observe your surroundings

Driving is one of the most dangerous activities we do on a weekly basis. It needs to be treated with respect.