27 January

Gardaí at Wicklow Garda Station are investigating a burglary incident that occurred shortly before 1am on Sunday 17th November 2024. 

On the date in question, a car believed to be an Opel Vectra turned into a local supermarket at Redcross, Co. Wicklow and parked up at the side of the shop.  One male suspect approached a shed at the back of the premises where he attempted to gain entry.  He then returned to the car.

Shortly after, two suspects manage to enter the shop through a side door.  The two suspects placed vapes and cigarettes into bags and baskets and a third suspect searches behind the counter.  The third suspect left the shop, carrying these items.  The two other suspects follow shortly carrying more items in a black bin bag.  The three suspects returned again and gained access to an office.  They spent time in the office and left after placing some more items in a black bag. The three suspects returned to the car and left the scene, in what Gardaí believe to be the direction of the M11 Motorway.

The suspects were on the scene for approximately 20 minutes.  There was a significant amount of cigarettes, vapes and cash taken during the course of this burglary.

Suspect Descriptions:

Suspect 1:

• Age: approx. in his 20’s.
• Height: Approx: 6’
• Slim build
• Black North Face Jacket (Purple shoulders)
• Black balaclava
• Black beanie
• Black trainers

Suspect 2:

• Age: approx. in his 20’s.
• Height: Approx 5’10”
• Slim build
• Grey / Black North Face jacket with grey hood
• Black trousers
• Grey New Balance trainers
• Grey gloves
• Black Balaclava

Suspect 3:

• Age: approx. in his 20’s.
• Height: Approx. 5’10”
• Slim build
• Grey / Black North Face jacket with grey hood
• Yellow bucket hat
• 1 Orange glove (right hand), 1 Grey glove (left hand)
• Black trousers
• Grey runners

Garda Appeal:

• Anyone that may have been in the Redcross area on the early hours of Sunday 17th November, that may have witnessed a car parked at the side of the shop.
• Did you travel on the road from the M11 to Redcross?
• Do you recognise any of the suspects from the CCTV?
• Do you have dashcam footage?
• Gardaí believe there were other cars travelling in the Redcross area on the night in question, and are appealing for them to come forward as they may be able to assist the investigation.

Wicklow Garda Station - Investigating. Tel: (0404) 67107

On this month’s Crimecall, Sergeant John Fitzpatrick was in studio and provided Crime Prevention information in relation to “Bogus Callers / Traders”.

An Garda Síochána are advising the public to be vigilant when cold callers call to a home offering a service such as repair work / maintenance or goods for sale.  While there are legitimate sales people calling to homes offering legitimate services and many people do routinely employ people offering work / services at the front door, some individuals (Bogus Callers) aim to take advantage of vulnerable people. This usually involves coercing a victim into handing out large amounts of money for little work or gaining trust to access your home.

This behaviour may be criminal, with investigations of this nature not limited to but ranging from offences such as criminal damage, burglary, theft, deception to demanding money with menaces. If it sounds too good to be true it usually is.

If you suspect that bogus caller(s) or trades person(s) are operating in your area and appear suspicious or are working in a vulnerable neighbour’s home, please contact the Gardaí and notify your neighbours. Try to note as much additional information about them as possible but never put yourself at risk. Information such as a description of the individual’s height, clothing, accent and details of any vehicle they are using, e.g. vehicle colour, make, model, registration number.

Bogus callers may operate in a number of ways. They will call to the home of a victim usually identified by them beforehand. This is often the home of an older or vulnerable person who may be living alone. This information is usually gleaned by surveillance or ‘discreet’ / ‘innocent’ enquiries made by them locally. They may also target the person because they have been ’successful’ there previously. The majority of incidents occur during the course of the day between 9am to 4pm, between Monday and Friday.

Some of the reasons these Bogus Callers may give for calling to the door is outlined below:

• Tree Cutting/Trimming services
• Roof Cleaning
• Roof Repairing
• Window Cleaning
• Driveway Power Washing
• Landscaping
• Painting
• Odd Jobs
• Charity
• Sale of Clothes
• Carol Signing
• Gutter Cleaning
• Gutter Repair
• County Council
• Garda – Checking Cash
• Cash found outside home
• Tarmac for sale
• Replace fire extinguishers
• Clean Garden

Examples of how a bogus caller(s) may operate is outlined below:

1. Distraction Burglary

They will call to a home under the guise of selling a product or a service. They will keep the resident at the door talking for as long as possible. This is to allow time for an accomplice to enter the home through a different access point to steal items of value.

2. Poor or no work carried out / excessive charges

They will often call on the pretext of being professional trades persons, e.g. roofers, guttering experts, painters, etc. and convince the victim that repairs need to be carried out or that they have worked on a neighbouring house.

Services will be offered on the understanding that they are competent and in-expensive. The bogus callers) will then usually go to the roof, attic, or hard to reach area of the house identified and give the impression that they are carrying out works, e.g. by hammering, drilling, painting etc. On completing the ‘work’, invariably in a short period, they then demand payment by cash, often using threatening and intimidating tactics. They may even commence ‘work’ without permission and then demand payment and may even go as far as offering to drive the victim to the bank to collect money.

3. Bogus Charges

Different member(s) of the same criminal group may return at a future date to a victim’s home posing as V.A.T. or Revenue Officials. They will demand money for ‘work’ already performed by them and seek further payments.

4. Deposit Scam

When the bogus caller(s) has spoken with a resident and are satisfied that the intended victim has been hoodwinked into engaging them for work, they will demand a deposit to purchase the materials to carry out the necessary repairs. Having secured the deposit they flee, never to return.

5. Opportunity Thefts / Coercion

They will target a particular area and offer a real or genuine service to the victim or may convince the resident they are from a utility services provider such as Gas, Water or Electricity with a need to check inside the property for faults. Having gained entry they may wander through the home to see if there are any items of value. This could be furniture, paintings or other valuables. They will then offer to buy the item for well below the market value. They then coerce their victim to sign receipts for the sale of the article secured by them. They can use subtle and intimidating tactics into forcing the victim to ‘sell’ to them what they want.

With regards to bogus callers we advise you to keep control, consider this security check:

• Are you expecting callers? If not look out the window to see the caller(s), make a note of their clothing, physical description or their vehicles description.

• Have you a door viewer fitted in your door? You are safer behind a closed door.
• Have you a door chain / limiter fitted and the chain / limiter engaged? If you must open the door, use the limiter.
• Consider installing a video doorbell which links to your mobile phone, that way you don’t have to open the door to speak to the caller and can do so from the mobile device.
• If you are going to open your door to callers, ensure your back door is locked before you do.
• If you are going to engage, ask for ID – a genuine caller won’t mind.
• Don’t be embarrassed to tell the caller to write their contact details down for you so that you can make an appointment with them in the future if you decide to.
• Use recommended trades persons, avoid using the services of cold callers.
• The basic rule is - if you don’t know the person at your door, you shouldn’t let them in.
• If you are anxious and feel you are being targeted contact Gardaí on 999 or 112.

If you think you have become a victim to this type of crime what should you do? 

• Never be embarrassed or ashamed to contact the Gardaí. Do so immediately. 
• Write down all you can remember about what happened - include descriptions of the person(s), their clothing, any peculiarities or distinguishing features and any vehicles used by them. Keep safely any documents they may have given you.
• For those people who may have elderly or vulnerable neighbours or friends, be a good neighbour and advise them of these possible scams. If you suspect that bogus callers or trades people are in your area and appear suspicious or are working in a vulnerable neighbour’s home – never hesitate in contacting the Gardaí immediately.
• Genuine trades’ people will not be offended by any enquiries the Gardaí may make and, indeed, usually welcome them.

Ask your local Garda station about ‘bogus caller cards’. These cards advise that the front door should not be open to cold callers. If you answer the door, apply the chain or door limiter and hand the caller the card. Do not enter into a conversation with the caller.  As stated above genuine callers will leave their details on the card. For further Information see - bogus-traders-callers.pdf (garda.ie)

Gardaí at Trim station are investigating a Hit and Run collision, which occurred on the 5th May 2024.  At approximately 5:30pm, a Peugeot 207 registration number 03LH746 drove into the car park attached to Trim Courthouse.  Shortly after a male wearing a red jacket, and a female walked out of the car park and turned onto Castle Street. 

At approximately 10:30pm, the IP and his friend were standing on Castle Street having a cigarette.  The Peugeot 207, emerged from the car park and drove straight across the road, colliding with the victim.  Immediately after the incident, the car reversed and drove at speed along Castle Street. A male wearing a distinctive red jacket could be seen driving the car.  The victim received injuries to his leg as a result.

Suspect Description

• Wearing Red jacket, blue jeans and tan boots
• White male
• Approximately 5’7/8”
• Average build

Garda Appeal:

• Anyone in the Trim area on the night of the 5th May 2024, to come forward as they may be able to assist the investigation.
• Did you see the suspect wearing a red jacket?
• Did you see the silver Peugeot 207, registration 03LH746, or know of its current whereabouts?

Trim Garda Station, investigating.  Tel: 046-9481540

The Gardaí at Ballina are investigating the murder of 28 year old Sandra Collins who went missing on Monday the 4 December 2000 from the small village of Killala, Co. Mayo.  She had lived in the village with her Aunt who she looked after for a number of years. Sandra left her Aunt's house at Courthouse Street, Killala on the Monday evening at 7.30 pm.

At 7.45pm she arrived at a local shop where she bought some groceries for her Aunt and a neighbour.  She was last seen at the local takeaway at around 11:15pm that night.  Four days later on the 8 December 2000 her fleece was found on the pier in Killala. A half-pound of sausages that Sandra bought in the shop earlier where still in the pocket of the fleece.

Sandra’s sister Bridie and brother Patrick made an appeal for information to help them find her remains, and to allow them to bury their sister. Detective Superintendent Frank Finn was in studio to explain the impact of such a case on a small community like Kilalla and made the following appeal.

Garda Appeal:

• We would like to thank the public for their assistance to date. Despite an extensive investigation, both Sandra's family and An Garda Síochána are still hoping that you can you provide the investigation with any information that may assist the team?
• Do you have information as the whereabouts of Sandra’s remains? Can you take us from that last sighting of Sandra at the local chipper in Kilala to where her remains are now?
• The investigation continues as it has done for the last 24 years. An Garda Síochána are committed to seeking justice for Sandra and the Collins family. We may or may not have spoken to you previously, either way it's never too late to assist the investigation: Perhaps you have information you thought was insignificant at the time, or it could be that after 24 years your circumstances have changed. We would like to assure you that you will be treated in a respectful, compassionate and sensitive manner.
• Sandra's family have been devastated and are grieving her loss for 24 years now. It is possible that information you have may help progress this investigation and help give the Collins' family some closure as they face into the 25th year without her. It's never too late to do the right thing and give Sandra and her family what they deserve.

Ballina Garda Station – Tel: (096) 20560

Over the last few weeks, we have seen some very challenging driving conditions in some parts of the country due to low temperatures. Ireland’s roads can be challenging at this time of year, because we do not get wintery conditions for long enough to justify winter tyres, tyre chains or other measures adopted in other countries.

Advice for drivers during cold weather :

1. Prepare Your Vehicle Before setting off, make sure your car is winter-ready.

• Check your tyres: Ensure they have the correct pressure and thread depth. The legal limit is 1.6mm, but I recommend as least 3mm, particularly in winter.
• Clear all snow and ice from your windows, mirrors, lights, and roof to improve visibility and prevent hazards.
• Ensure your windscreen washer fluid is topped up with a suitable antifreeze mix.

2. Drive to the Conditions During icy or snowy weather, it’s crucial to adjust your driving.

• Slow down: Reduced speeds give you more time to react.
• Increase your following distance: Leave at least 10 seconds between you and the car in front to account for longer braking distances.
• Gentle manoeuvres: Use smooth steering, acceleration, and braking to avoid skidding.
• Use a High Gear for Manual Transmissions: Using a high gear increases your engine revolutions and gives you more control over your vehicle.  

3. Use Your Lights During poor visibility, switch on your dipped headlights. Daytime Running Lights (DRL’s) may not be suitable on dark days so make sure you turn your dipped headlights on. Avoid using full beams in snow, as it can reflect the light and reduce visibility further.
4. Avoid Risky Areas If possible, avoid hills or untreated roads, as they’re more likely to be hazardous. Stick to main roads, which are more likely to be gritted.
5. Be Prepared for Emergencies Carry essential items in your car:

• An ice scraper and de-icer.
• A flashlight, blanket, and high-visibility vest.
• A charged mobile phone and an emergency kit with food and water.

6. Know How to Handle a Skid If your vehicle starts to skid:

• Stay calm.
• Ease off the accelerator and steer gently into the skid. Avoid slamming the brakes, as this can make things worse.

Finally, only drive if it’s absolutely necessary. If the weather is severe, consider postponing your journey or using public transport.

Remember, winter roads demand extra caution. By following these tips, you can help keep yourself, your passengers, and others safe.

Thank you, and stay safe on the roads.

Gavin Coleman, Sergeant

DMR Roads Policing Division

Gardaí at Galway Garda Station, are currently seeking the public’s assistance, in locating 44 year old Barry Monaghan.

Last Known Addresses:

• St Eithne Road, Cabra, Dublin 7
• Fortlawn Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

Description:

• Height 5ft 10
• Stocky build
• Brown Hair
• Dublin accent

 Galway Garda Station - investigating. Tel: 091-538000

Gardaí at Balbriggan Garda Station, are currently seeking the public’s assistance, in locating 28 year old Barry Monaghan.

Last Known Addresses:

• Gardiners Hill ,Balbriggan, Co. Dublin
• Also known to frequent Blanchardstown and England

Description:

• Height - 5’9 Approx.
• Hair - brown
• Stocky build
• Tattoo on his lower left arm
• Brown eyes

 Balbriggan Garda Station Investigating. Tel: 01-8020510

Gardaí at Ballinasloe Garda Station, are currently seeking the public’s assistance, in locating 27 year old Patrick Sweeney.

Last Known Addresses:

• Earls Flats, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
• Other locations in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
• Known to frequent Ballindine and Hollymount, Co. Mayo

Description:

• Height - 6ft2” Approx.
• Hair - short black receding.
• Build - slim

Ballinasloe Garda Station Investigating. Tel: 090-9631890