31 March

   

Gardaí at Clare and Limerick Garda Stations are investigating a number of incidents that occurred across both Counties. 

On Wednesday 22nd January 2025, a suspect black Audi A6 Estate with a partial registration 08-D, reversed up a driveway of a house on the outskirts of Limerick city.  One of the occupants opened the back door of the car. He then closed the door and the car drove off.

In the early hours of the following morning, Thursday 23rd January 2025 at approximately 2:20am, the black Audi S6 Estate, arrived at Ennistymon, Co. Clare.  The car pulled up alongside a local phone shop and four men exited the vehicle and approached the shop.  The owner of the business appeared inside the shop and the men then proceeded to break a window before returning to the car driving off and leaving the scene in the direction of Ennis.

Approximately 20 minutes later the same car pulled up outside a service station on the Lahinch Road in Ennis, Co. Clare.  One of the suspects used what appeared to be an adapted implement to open the doors of the shop and another suspect carried a sledgehammer.  The suspects went behind the till – a quantity vapes, cigarettes and a sum of cash were taken. 

The same vehicle then travelled to Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare.  Four suspects gained access to the premises by using a sledgehammer to break through the front window.  Two of the suspects grabbed a large quantity of vapes. One of the men made a failed attempt to force open an internal door. After approximately (4) minutes, the suspects left the scene in the direction of the M18.

At approximately 3:30am, the suspect vehicle arrived at the Castletroy area, a suburb of Limerick City.  The men used the sledgehammer to gain entry through the glass door of a Tech store.  They removed electronic devices, including Ipads, watches and phones and place them into bags. They spent approximately 5 minutes going back and forth with the bags to the car before leaving the area in the direction of Castleconell via Daly’s Cross.

A number of the items that were taken during the course of this incident were later recovered close to Daly’s Cross at the Limerick / Tipperary border.

Suspect Vehicle

Black Audi A6 Estate model. 08-D partial registration

Description of Suspects

All four suspects were wearing dark clothing and were fully covered up.

Garda Appeal

• Anyone in the Limerick / Clare areas between the 22nd and 23rd January, that may have seen this vehicle.
• Do you know the identity of the suspects?
• Were you offered any of these items for sale?
• Do you know where this property is?

Gardaí in Loughrea Co Galway are investigating a burglary that occurred in the Killimor area of County Galway on the February 13 2025. 

The suspect car a White Volkswagen Golf passed the house a couple of times. Then just before 5.50pm a tall slim male walks on foot into the front of the property, while on his mobile phone.  This male suspect walked around the property and went to the rear while on the phone, where he looks in the windows and rear door. 

Shortly after 5.50pm, a suspect White Volkswagen Golf entered the driveway of the property and briefly parks at the front of the house.

A male suspects gets out of the passenger seat and approached the front door, where is joined by another suspect(driver).

Another suspect then gets into driver’s seat and the Golf leaves the driveway and travels in the direction of Killimor. The (3) suspects force the front door and enter the property.  The property was subsequently ransacked during the incident. The men spend (5) minutes in the property and leave the property on foot across the garden. 

Suspect car:

The vehicle used appears to be a white Mark 7 VW Golf, with distinctive alloy wheels, similar to those fitted on the Golf GTi model.(A Mark 7 VW Golf ranges in years from 2012 to 2020.)

Suspect 1:

• Age -30’s
• Black or navy parka type jacket with a white fur hood
• Blue hoodie
• Red gloves
• Navy jeans
• Baseball cap
• Black and white runners

Suspect 2:

• Driver
• Black tracksuit bottoms
• Navy jacket
• Black hat
• Black and white runners
• Carried a hammer in hand
• Red gloves
• Black and white - North Face puffer type jacket
• Navy Nike runners.

Burglary Investigation – Borrisokane :

Gardaí believe they took the N65 heading south into Tipperary, after the Killimor incident. Shortly after this incident there was another burglary reported in Borrisokane which is around (25)kms from Killimor, where a safe containing cash and jewellery was taken from a house. Gardaí believe that the white VW Golf left in the direction of Cloughjordan.

Description of Property:

• Jewellery to value of €30k includingtwo rings both with coloured stones and a white Tag Heuer watch.
• Safe (Details to be incuded)

Garda appeal:

• Do you know the identity of these suspects?
• Do you recognise the white Golf GTI?
• Do you know who owns or may have had possession of this car?
• Where you offered the jewellery taken in dubious circumstances?

On this month’s Crimecall, Sergeant John Fitzpatrick was in studio and provided Crime Prevention information in relation to Bike Theft and Security.

Theft of bicycles incidents decreased by nearly 700 in 2024 compared to 2023, with less than 4,000 incidents reported. The 2025 YTD figures are down so far on last year. However, bicycle theft incidents are influenced by season with the summer months showing an increased level of reporting, which remains elevated until the onset of the winter months.

• - Unauthorised Taking / Theft of Pedal Cycles incidents occur most frequently during daytime hours (12pm – 10pm).
• - Nearly 27% of incidents reported occurred between 3pm and 6pm.
• - Between 2022 and 2024 an average of 4,400 bikes were reported stolen per year.

Locking your bike:

There are a number of different types of locks available that you can use. When choosing a lock you should consider the following:

• How much your bicycle is worth
• Where you will leave it
• How long it will be left unattended and the strength and weight of the lock.

It is recommended that you spend at least 10% the value of your bicycle on a lock. Always check the security ratings of lock products.

Most bicycles are locked using the following means:

• D locks / U locks – are rigid steel locks in a D or a U shape. They are generally heavy and strong, though the strength can vary and is normally reflected in the price.
• Cable locks – are flexible and can be used in many situations. Cables, of course, can vary significantly in both weight and strength.
• Chains and Padlocks – will also vary in both weight and strength. Good quality hardened chains and padlocks can offer good security.
• Click locks – are not very common. They are generally fixed to the frame over the rear wheel, under and close to your seat. They lock your wheel to the frame, thereby stopping someone from simply riding away.  

General bicycle security advice:

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

• Always lock your bike, even if you are leaving it for a brief moment.
• Lock your bike to an immovable object e.g. Bike stand, a lamppost or metal railing.
• Lock your frame and wheels if at all possible.
• Where bicycles parks are available, use them.
• Take all accessories and easily removable objects with you.
• Do not leave / park your bike in isolated, dark or dimly lit places.
• Try not to leave / lock your bike in the same place every day.

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

In addition, make sure to keep up to date information about you bicycle:

• Take at least one distinguishing coloured photograph of your bicycle.
• Keep a written record of the make, model, and frame number of the bike and any unique features that the bike may have e.g. extra fittings, attachments, markings etc. Remember to update the record as the bike gets older – it is unlikely that it will still be in pristine condition and will more likely have some dents and scratches. Consider storing this information on the Garda Property App.

Garda Property App:

This is a free app developed by An Garda Síochána to allow you to record and index your property, e.g bicycles, laptops, 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 number / 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/

Gardaí in Waterford are investigating a burglary incident that occurred at approximately on 20th October 2024 at approximately 3pm in Cullencastle, Tramore, Co. Waterford.  On the date in question, the suspect having entered onto a residential property by accessing two gates, entered a mobile home located in the rear garden. The victim who was present at the time, heard the door opening, came out of her room, when she saw the suspect in her property.  The suspect spoke with the victim briefly and then left.

• Suspect Description:
• Age - late 40’s / early 50’s
• Height - 5ft 8”/9”
• Brown eyes
• Tan complexion
• Hair - mousey coloured – wavy – not too long
• Build - stocky
• Wore dark coloured jeans, a sleeveless old woollen pull over with a dark long sleeved top underneath

Gardaí in Drogheda are investigating a sexual assault incident that occurred along the Ramparts Scenic Walk in Drogheda, Co. Louth on Friday 26th April 2024 at approximately 9.30pm. 

The victim was walking along the Ramparts Scenic Walk when a male approached her. During the incident a member of the public came to the victim’s aid and the suspect subsequently ran away in the direction of Drogheda town centre.

 Suspect description

• Age: approximately 23 – 25 years old
• Build - slim
• Curly dark hair
• Wearing grey jacket, light blue jeans and light coloured trainers
• Believed to have spoken in Arabic

Gardaí at Wicklow Garda Station are seeking the public’s assisting in locating 45-year old Malcolm Ross.  Malcolm was reported missing from his home in Castle Street, Wicklow Town and was last seen in a shop in Wicklow town on Tuesday February 28th January. Numerous searches have been taken place with the assistance of the RNLI and the Civil Defence but Malcolm still remains missing.  Malcolm’s family and friends are all very anxious to hear from him, as they just want to hear that he is safe and well.

Description:

• 45 years’ old
• Height 5ft 11inches
• Build - Heavy
• Brown hair
• Brown eyes
• Last seen wearing a blue windcheater and blue tracksuit bottoms

 Garda Appeal:

• Did you see Malcolm since 28th January after he was seen in Wicklow Town?
• Gardaí and Malcolm’s family are very concerned for his well-being and ask that if you can assist the investigation in any possible, that you please do so?  

  

  

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 Fozzy Griffin
• Do you know the current whereabouts of John Griffin?
• This year is the 20th year since Emer’s death and her 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 maybe 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.
• Gardai 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 Mor.
• 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 or has his body ever been recovered.

Description of John Griffin.

• Height – 180cm (5 ft 11in)
• Age – 57
• 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”.

What to Do When Emergency Vehicles Approach: A Guide for Drivers

As a driver, it’s important to understand how to react safely and responsibly when emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, fire engines, or Garda cars, approach. Quick and appropriate actions can save lives and assist emergency personnel in getting to their destinations as swiftly as possible. Here’s what you need to know

1. Stay Calm and Stay Alert:

The first step is to stay calm. Upon hearing sirens or seeing flashing blue lights, remain alert and be aware of the surrounding traffic. Panicking can lead to sudden or unsafe decisions, putting yourself and others at risk.

2. Plan Your Move Early:

As soon as you detect an approaching emergency vehicle, start thinking about how and where you can move to safely allow them to pass. This could involve slowing down or pulling over. Keep in mind that stopping abruptly could cause accidents or block the vehicle from moving forward.

3. Know Where to Stop:

On normal roads: If you are on a single carriageway, pull over to the left as soon as it is safe to do so, allowing the emergency vehicle to pass on your right.

On dual carriageways or motorways: Slow down and safely move to the left. Emergency vehicles will usually overtake in the right-hand lane. Do not stop in the middle of the road or hard shoulder unless instructed to do so.

If you can’t pull over immediately, it is a good idea to signal to the emergency vehicle driver that you have seen them by indicating left or activating your hazard lights until you can pull in safely.

At traffic lights: Never break a red light to allow an emergency vehicle through. Stay where you are and let them navigate around you if possible.

4. Avoid Common Mistakes:

Do not panic: Sudden braking or veering can cause confusion and accidents.

Do not tailgate: Once the emergency vehicle passes, don’t attempt to follow closely behind it. This is illegal and dangerous.

Do not block junctions: Always ensure junctions or side roads are clear so that emergency services have space to manoeuvre.

Do not stop on narrow roads: Stopping in narrow areas can block emergency vehicles completely. Try to find a wider section or a safe space to pull over.

5. Vehicles Under Garda Escort:

Occasionally, Garda motorcyclists are tasked with performing escorts. This may be an emergency medical escort of an ambulance or private vehicle, or a motorcade of Government or foreign dignitaries. If a Garda motorcyclist enters a junction & stops with blue lights activated, you must stop and remain stationary until the vehicle(s) under escort have passed by, or the Garda motorcyclist directs you to move to a particular location.

6. Keep Listening and Watching:

Sometimes more than one emergency vehicle may be approaching, especially in major incidents. Once one has passed, stay alert for any others before you continue driving.

7. Return to Normal Driving Gradually:

Once the emergency vehicle has passed, merge back into traffic carefully. Ensure you are aware of other drivers who may also be moving after pulling over. Avoid the temptation to speed up or rush back into the flow of traffic.

8. Show Courtesy and Cooperation:

Remember that emergency vehicles need to get to their destination quickly and safely to save lives or deal with critical incidents. By staying calm, alert, and following these steps, you can help ensure that you are not an obstacle during a crucial moment.

Conclusion:

Every second counts in an emergency. As a driver, you play a vital role in ensuring the roads are safe and accessible for emergency responders. By staying aware and following these simple guidelines, you are helping save lives and supporting those who serve the community in times of crisis. Always remember: safety first, for you and for others on the road.

The Gardaí at Kevin Street station are investigating the unauthorised taking of a van and the attempted Robbery/Robbery of three female victims on January 27th 2025.  Shortly before 4.40am an employee had parked his van at St Stephen’s Green and after leaving the van he began cleaning the outside steps of a nearby building.

He had left the engine running in order to power cleaning equipment. As he continued with his work and almost immediately, a male suspect approached, entered the van and drove away in the direction of Cuffe street and onto Kevin street.

As he drove along Kevin street the suspect stopped at a bus stop and approached two female victims who were standing on the footpath. The Suspect gets out and grappled with both victims, one of which falls to the ground during the incident. A third woman walking along the footpath attempted to intervene and as this point the two victims managed to run away.

The male suspect then approached the third woman who was knocked to the ground and her phone and wallet taken during the incident. The man then got back into the van and drove onto Patrick St, turned right at Christchurch and then left onto Fishamble St where he abandoned the van, walked away in the direction of Dame street. At Dame street he entered two shops where he is captured on CCTV.

Suspect Description:

• Age – (30 – 40 years)
• Height - (5’ 8’’ - 5’ 10’)
• Build - Slim
• Dublin accent

Garda Appeal:

• Where you on Stephens Green or Kevin street on January 27 2025?
• Did you see the suspect as the van was driven away or did you witness the incidents involving the female victims on Kevin street?
• Do you know the identity of the suspect?
• Have you any information abiut the victims phone or wallet?

Gardaí at the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau, are currently seeking the public’s assistance, in locating 29 year old Cheng Yu.

Last Known Addresses:

• Roebuck Castle, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14

Description:

• Height 5’7”
• Hair Colour: Black
• Eye Colour: Brown
• Build: Heavy

Gardaí at Sundrive Road Garda Station are looking for information on the whereabouts of 30-year-old Ryan Byrne.

Last Known Address:

• St. Teresa Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12

Description:

Nationality:    Irish

Age:                 30 years’ old

Height:                 6ft

Build:                    Stocky

Hair:                      Short dark hair

Accent:                 Dublin accent