20 November 2024

Gardaí at Tuam Garda Station are investigating a burglary incident that occurred on 4th October 2024 between the Williamstown, Co. Galway and Ballymoe, Co. Roscommon area.  The victim returned home, and discovered a side window had been forced open and that a number of items had been taking.

Garda Appeal:

• Where you in the Williamstown / Ballymoe area on the afternoon / evening of the 4th October 2024? Did you notice anything unusual?
• If you have come across or have been offered any of the items of jewellery / coins, please contact Gardaí.

Descriptions of Items:

• Krugerrand Mandela Liliesleaf
• 1oz gold coin set
• Tanzanite 1kt drop pendant and silver chain
• 18kt yellow gold engagement ring set with one round brilliant cut tanzanite
• Martini – set tanzanite stud earrings – white gold
• Yellow gold antqiue broach
• White and yellow gents ring
• Gents yellow gold chain
• Ladier yellow gold chain
• Freshwater pearl necklace
• yellow gold tie pin, panther design
• Carved Bone necklace

1. Recording of intimate images Investigation – MacCurtain Street, Co. Cork

The Gardaí at Watercourse Road are investigating a recording of an intimate image which occurred Wednesday 11th September 2024, at approximately 8:55pm.  A male approached a female victim, stretched out his hand, which contained a mobile phone, and pointed it underneath her skirt.

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION:

• Male
• Height 5’10
• Age 50/60 approx.
• Average build
• Receding brown hair

Clothing

• Professionally dressed in business attire
• Shoulder bag

2. Burglary at business premises Investigation – Drumconnor, Mountcharles Co. Donegal   

The Gardaí at Ballyshannon are investigating two burglary incidents which occurred in the early hours of Monday, 12th August 2024.  Two male suspects approached a business premises.  One of the suspects gained access to the building.  A motion sensor light was activated, resulting in the suspect quickly exiting the building via a window.  A number of items worth €2,000 were reported taking during the course of this incident.  The second incident occurred shortly afterward, in an adjoining property.  The two suspects entered and searched a yard and buildings of the property.  A number of items worth approximately €20,000 were taken during the course of this burglary.  The items were loaded onto a quad bike which had been taken from a nearby farm.  They drove approximately 2.5km from the scene.  One of the suspects returned with the quad sometime later and the quad bike is left back to the farm. 

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION:

Suspect 1

• Male
• Height 6’0/ 2
• Slim athletic build

Clothing

• Dark Tracksuit bottoms
• Dark hooded jacket (Possibly Mountain Warehouse or Regatta brand)
• Jacket had patches on the hips and shoulders
• Gloves
• Snood/ski balaclava

Suspect 2

• Male
• Height 5’10 /6’0
• Slim build

Clothing

• Similar type clothing to Suspect No. 1 but no specifics
• Gloves
• Snood/ski balaclava

3. Robbery Investigation – Betting Shop Walkinstown, Dublin 12

The Gardaí at Crumlin are investigating a robbery incident which occurred on Tuesday 9th April 2024, just before 6:30pm. One male suspect entered the betting shop and approached the desk. He produced a weapon to staff member before they ran into back office. The suspect then left the shop without taken anything.

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION:

• Male
• Height 5’7
• Age 30’s

Clothing

• Wearing all black
• Jacket

4. Burglary at Bike shop - Belmont Demense, Greystones, Co. Wicklow

The Gardaí at Bray are investigating a burglary incident that occurred on Thursday 12th September 2024, just before 1:00am. Three males walked up to the entrance of the property with flash lights.  Entry was gained by a shutter door, which was damaged during the course of this incident.  Three bikes were seen on cctv being taken from the premises and a sum of money was also reported to have been taken.

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION:

Suspect 1

• Male
• Height 6’0 approx.
• Athletic build

Clothing

• Black tracksuit
• Hood up
• Blue gloves

Suspect 2

• Male
• 6’0 approx.
• Athletic build

Clothing

• Blue tracksuit
• Navy hat nood
• Red gloves

Suspect 3

• Male
• 6’0 approx.
• Athletic build

Clothing

• Grey/Green tracksuit
• Hat
• Snood

5. Burglary Investigation – Shopping Centre Santry, Dublin 9

The Gardaí at Santry are investigating a burglary incident which occurred on Monday 2nd July 2024, shortly after 2:00am. Two male suspects entered the shopping centre with tools. They approached the first jewellers shop and using a pickaxe, break the front window and remove items of jewellery. They then approached the second jewellers, break the window using the pickaxe. A significant amount of jewellery was taken, before the suspects then left the shopping centre. (Total value of items taken - over €220,000). 

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION:

SUSPECT 1

• Male
• Height 5’9/11
• Average build

Clothing

• Face covering
• Gloves

SUSPECT 2

• Male
• Height 5’9/11
• Average Build

Clothing

• Face covering
• Gloves

6. Criminal Damage Investigation – Fairview, Dublin 3

The Gardaí at Clontarf are investigating an incident of criminal damage which occurred on 19th April 2024, at 5pm. One male suspect wearing all black, walked around the platform of the dart station, before dropping down onto the tracks and spray painting the side of a train carriage. He then returned to the platform, where he then boarded the same train.

SUSPECTS DESCRIPTION:

• Male
• Height 5’8/10
• Age 20/30’s
• Stubble

Clothing

• Black hoodie
• Black cap
• Black bottoms
• Black runners
• Scissor Jack
• Screwdriver
• Torch

7. Aggravated Burglary Investigation – Main River Street, Northern Cross, Malahide road, Dublin 17

The Gardaí at Coolock are investigating an aggravated burglary which occurred on Wednesday 12th January 2022. Shortly after 11:30am. Three male suspects arrived on a dirt bike, the first two suspects got off and walked down the street, the third suspect waited on the bike. The two suspects notice a bike inside the door of a business premises. The victim went to investigate and the suspects tried to gain entry. The victim sprayed them with a fire extinguisher to get the door closed. One suspect is seen trying to use a hammer to open the door.  After being unsuccessful in opening the door, the suspects leave.  

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION:

Suspect 1

• Male
• Height 5’10/6’0
• Slim/Medium build

Clothing

• Grey hat with a bobble
• Black North face zip up jacket
• Black bottoms
• Grey gloves
• Black snood

Suspect 2

• Male
• Height 5-10/6’0
• Slim/medium build

Clothing

• Black jacket with hood up
• Navy tracksuit bottoms
• Grey runners
• Black gloves
• Red and black Minnie mouse backpack
• Face covering

Suspect 3

• Male
• Height 6’0
• Slim/medium build

Clothing

• Black jacket with hood up
• Grey bottoms
• Black runners with white on the sides

8. Theft from MPV – Cabinteely, Dublin 18

Used for Crime Prevention piece on

The Gardaí at Cabinteely are investigating a Theft from an MPV which occurred on Monday 14th October 2024, shortly after 12:30pm. One male suspect followed a woman out of the bank and to her car which was parked in the carpark. The victim then drove a short distance to another location, where got out of her car and entered a shop. The suspect then parked alongside the other car and broke the front driver’s side window. (A sum of cash to the value of €250 was taken from the car).

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION:

• Male
• 6’1 approx.
• Late 30’s – early 40’s
• Medium build

Clothing

• Navy baseball cap
• Blue facemask
• Grey polo shirt
• Dark Jeans
• Brown shoes

9. Theft from Shop - Kilnacloy, Monaghan Town

The Gardaí at Monaghan are investigating a theft that occurred on Monday 11th March 2024, at 10.30am. Four female suspects entered the shop, all for suspects picked up items in the shop and placed them in their skirts. One of the females then takes a charity box and places it in her skirt. They then leave passing all points of payment and without attempting to pay. (Property to the value of over €200 was taken).

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION:

Suspect 1

• Female
• Age 20-35 approx.
• Tan skin tone
• Slim build

Clothing

• Head scarf
• Long dress

Suspect 2

• Female
• Age 20-35 approx.
• Tan skin tone
• Slim build

Clothing

• Head scarf
• Long dress

Suspect 3

• Female
• Age 20-35 approx.
• Tan skin tone
• Slight build

Clothing

• Head scarf
• Long dress

Suspect 4

• Female
• 20-35 approx.
• Tan skin tone
• Heavy build

Clothing

• Head scarf
• Long dress

10. Burglary Investigation – Pharmacy Crumlin, Dublin 12

The Gardaí at Crumlin are investigating a burglary incident that occurred on Wednesday 24th July 2024, at around 2:00am.  One male suspect climbed over the wall of the premises, and then tried gaining access using different tools. Fortunately, the suspect failed to gain entry. He climbed back over the wall and while nothing was taken damage was caused to the building.

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION:

• Male
• Height 5’10/6’0
• Age 30/40’s
• Slim build

Clothing

• Tracksuit
• Adidas runners
• Gardening gloves
• Scissor jack
• Screwdriver
• Torch

11. Burglary Investigation – Cappawhite, Co. Tipperary

The Gardaí at Tipperary station are investigating a burglary incident which occurred Friday 11th October 2024, shortly before 8:30pm. Three male suspects entered a house through the side door of the property. They then left, taking cash and jewellery to the value of €1000.

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION:

Suspect 1

• Male
• Height 5’10
• Medium build

Clothing

• Sleeveless jacket
• Tracksuit top
• Balaclava

Suspect 2

• Male
• Height 5’11
• Skinny build

Clothing

• Baseball cap
• Snood

Suspect 3

• Male
• Height 5’6 approx.
• Skinny build

Clothing

• Jacket
• Snood

On this month’s Crimecall, Crime Prevention segment, Sergeant John Fitzpatrick provided information in relation to “Bank Jugging” and online banking advice. 

An Garda Síochána are appealing to persons who may withdraw large amounts of cash from financial institutions at this seasonal time of year to be vigilant.  

“Jugging” occurs when a customer goes into a financial institution, unbeknownst to them, they may be watched by persons, who wait patiently for them to come out with a bank bag, coin box or bank envelope that looks like they may have withdrawn a large amount of cash. They then follow the customer and look for an opportunity to steal the cash by breaking into a vehicle while unattended or theft from the victim directly.

These types of crimes can occur at a stop off point where a victim may stop and leave the vehicle unattended for a period of time, such as their home, shop or restaurant or fuel station. When the customer leaves the vehicle they may become a victim and the cash is stolen.

Bank Jugger’s often park where they have clear visibility of the front door or the ATM. Bank Jugger’s will change parking spots if their visibility is obstructed.

In 2024 year to date, (YTD), there have been a number of Jugging incidents reported, with two months and the Christmas period to go before the end of the year, it is possible these reported incidents may rise.

The number of incidents reporting direct interaction between the victim and the Jugger is higher in 2024 YTD than in previous years. The number of non-direct interaction incidents for 2024 YTD is lower than the previous year’s full year, with the Christmas period coming up this may change. 

Advice that may prevent “Jugging”:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially if something seems strange as you enter the bank.
• Conceal your bank deposit bags, coin boxes or envelopes as you enter and leave the bank.
• Take your bank bag or envelope with you into your next destination. Don’t hide it in your vehicle.
• Always vary your routes and times for cash drops and collections.
• Consider using electronic funds transfer rather than depositing or withdrawing cash or to pay for items.
• If you feel like you are being followed, call 999 or 112 and drive to a Garda Station.
• Don’t keep large amounts of cash in your home residence.
• If storing cash in business premises always use a Safe that is certified applicable to the value of cash stored in it.
• Always be aware of your surroundings and report anything suspicious to avoid getting “Jugged”.

 

On Line Shopping advice:

As we approach the seasonal time for Christmas shopping many people, will carry out shopping online, some actions you can take to ensure safety when shopping online can include –

• When shopping or making a payment online, make sure your internet access is secure.
• Do not use unsecured public Wi-Fi networks or hotspots to make a card purchase or access your online banking account.
• Look for the padlock – Click on the security icon (the padlock or unbroken key symbol) to ensure that the retailer has an encryption certificate.
• check your bank statement, or online ebanking App regularly to check for unknown or unauthorised payments
• buy from reputable retailers online and double check adverts selling products you are interested in – search for the image to see if it has been used before online
• Keep your computer and security up to date – Install a reliable antivirus and browser security software.
• Be cautious about emails claiming outrageous offers or ads offering miracle products – Generally if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Use appropriate privacy settings on your social media profiles – Remember your information is valuable to a fraudster.
• Use appropriate privacy settings on your social media profiles – Remember your information is valuable to a fraudster.
• Do not click on pop ups or ads that state that you have won a prize.
• Pay attention to your own instincts – If you have any doubts about giving out your card details, end the transaction and purchase your goods elsewhere.
• Be password savvy – if you use a password to log on to your network or computer, use a different password for orders or retailer accounts. Avoid using your address, birth date, phone number or easily recognisable words. The best passwords are alpha-numeric (using letters and numbers) and at least 8 characters in length.

Further information can be found online www.fraudsmart.ie or www.garda.ie,  FraudSMART is a fraud awareness initiative developed by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) in conjunction with the following member banks, Allied Irish Bank plc, An Post, Avant Money, Bank of Ireland, Barclays Bank Ireland, Citibank Plc, PTSB.

Detective Superintendent Sinéad Greene from the Garda National Protective Services Bureau was in studio offering advice to victims of Domestic Abuse and complimented the bravery of one such victim who decided to tell her story, in the hope that others would be encouraged to seek help.

Sinéad spoke about the different forms of Domestic Abuse from the most lethal “Strangulation” and forms where very little force is applied.

Strangulation:

Strangulation is one of the most lethal forms of Domestic Violence: it is the most serious display of power and control, second only to murder. In terms of criminal investigations strangulation has typically been dealt with by way of the offence. “Assault Causing Harm”.  However, there is now a new standalone offence that specifically calls out this crime in the language that people will understand.

People may have an impression that extreme strength is required to inflict such abuse, however the pressure can be less than what takes to crack an egg, with loss of consciousness within 7 seconds and loss of control of bodily functions (such as bladder and bowel) within 30 seconds. It is possible to show no physical symptoms of strangulation but die weeks later due to lack of oxygen and other internal injuries.

 When we talk about Domestic Abuse we at (GNPSB) understand the nexus between strangulation and homicide. In fact, nonfatal strangulation is a leading indicator of escalating violence in a relationship and a significant risk factor for homicide in women.

Increase in reporting:

Domestic Abuse in not a new phenomenon and has existed for centuries - but through media awareness and changes within society domestic abuse is no longer viewed as a private matter.

We in An Garda Síochána see every day the bravery of victims coming forward, and speaking of their abuse after months, years or even decades later. While the approach we take may differ depending on each case, we want to reassure victims that we are here to help and will support them, along with our state and non-state partners, to keep them safe and lead a life free from abuse.

Christmas:

While many of us are planning on creating happy memories over Christmas with our families, for many this is not a reality. Some watching tonight are gripped with anxiety, stress and fear about what will happen over the festive period.  The festive period is a volatile time for so many in Ireland and I want to reassure those who are anxious, or those who are concerned for a family or a friend, that An Garda Síochána will respond, put protective measure in place to ensure their safety and the safety of their children - no matter what time or day we are called.

The Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023:

• Stalking - Section 10 (2) Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997.
• Non-fatal strangulation or non-fatal suffocation - Section 3A - Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.
• Non-fatal strangulation or non-fatal suffocation causing serious harm - Section 4A Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.

Gardaí at Mallow Garda Station are investigating the disappearance of Patrick (Patsy) O’Sullivan.  Patsy had been working in Co. Kerry and had visited his family home at Lumbardstown on the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, April 1992.  He was due to return home again for a Christening a few weeks later, but he failed to do so. Patsy, was 35 years old at the time, often went away to work for weeks at a time, in different locations, but he would always maintain contact with his family, and return periodically.

Description of Patrick O’Sullivan:

• Approximately 5’10” in height
• Slim build
• Fair / Brown hair
• Green eyes
• Would now be 67 years of age

Garda Appeal:

• Patsy’s family and An Garda Síochána, are appealing to Patsy himself – even if just to make contact to let them know he is alright?
• Do you know where Patsy is now?
• Do you think you have met Patsy at any time over the interim, perhaps in another part of the world? Please make contact as you may have information that can assist this investigation.
• If you have worked with Patsy in Killarney, Waterville, Co. Kerry or anywhere else in the country during or since 1992, can you please make contact?

On 1st December An Garda Síochána’s Christmas & New year campaign begins. Operation Open City is designed to facilitate the movement of public transport and minimise traffic disruption to the general public, through high visibility and enforcement activity’.

In conjunction with ‘Open City’, the Christmas & New Year Enforcement Operation will focus on lifesaver and intoxicated driving offences over the holiday period. Both operations will complement each other with the aim of preventing fatal and serious injury collisions on our roads as well as prevention and detection of crime and public order incidents.

During this period, members of An Garda Síochána’s Roads Policing Units, supported by their colleagues from regular and community policing units across the country will be mounting checkpoints and conducting high visibility and covert patrols, to detect careless, distracted and intoxicated driving among other offences.

This year, 3940 drivers have been arrested for drug driving & 2463 have been arrested for drink driving. This behaviour continues to be a problem on our roads and An Garda Síochána will be mounting extra Mandatory Intoxicant Testing Checkpoints (MIT’s) during this busy festive season to deter anyone thinking of driving while they have drink or drugs in their system. MIT checkpoints are specifically to detect intoxicated drivers. They are authorised by a Garda Inspector and provides Gardaí with the power to stop and test drivers for the presence of drink or drugs in their system regardless of whether they suspect them or not.   

I would ask people going out socialising this Christmas to plan ahead. Leave the car at home. Over the years we have seen where people drive to their destination, with the intention of leaving the car behind and getting a taxi or public transport home. They come out and it’s raining, there are no taxis and suddenly they are behind the wheel driving home. Leave the car at home - it removes the temptation to drive home.

A lot of people will visit relatives over the Christmas period and may have a drink. I would like to remind people that house measures can often be larger than pub or restaurant measures and it’s something that often catches people out.

People should also be mindful of driving the next morning after a night out. Make sure enough time has elapsed to allow the alcohol to pass through your system.

It should also be noted that Garda MIT checkpoints are not just conducted at night. They can take place at any time of the day, morning, noon or night. With that in mind, we would live all drivers to heed the following...

Appeal:

• Never, ever Drink/Drug drive
• Book a taxi or use public transport
• Nominate a Designated Driver
• Make sure you are Alcohol free the next morning

We would also like to appeal to passengers of drivers that may be intoxicated to call them out. Do not get in to a car if you suspect the driver to be intoxicated. Take the keys from them if you can. If this is not possible, call 999 or 112 immediately.

We will be on the roads on a 24/7 basis over the Christmas period, focusing on all lifesaver offences, but particularly driving while intoxicated. We will intercept drink and drug drivers. If convicted, you will lose your licence. Please don’t be one of them.

The Gardaí at Wicklow Garda station are seeking your help in locating thirty – three- year-old Alexander Fahey.

Description:

Height – 6ft 2 approx.

Hair – brown

Build - slim

Profession – property advisor

Last Known locations:

Last known address: Fumbally Lane, Dublin 8 and King Edward Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow

Potential location: Canary Islands

The Gardaí at Midleton Co.Cork are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Steven O Donnell (22 years).

Last known address:

• String, Glanworth, Co. Cork. 
• Known to frequent the Mitchelstown, Kilworth, Glanworth, Balindangan, Kildorrery, Castletownroche and Fermoy localities in County Cork.

Description:

• 22yrs old
• Height - 5’7” to 5’8”
• Build - medium to stocky
• Hair - dark short

The Gardaí at Wicklow are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Jamie Maher (32 years)

Last known address:

• Aldborough Manor, Greystones, Co. Wicklow
• Booterstown Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin
• Known to frequent Carlow and Wexford

Description:

• 32yrs
• Height - 5’10”
• Build - stocky
• Hair – Brown Hair, receding Hairline
• May or may not have beard
• White / red complexion