Crimecall Episodes

On this month’s episode of Crimecall, Sergeant John Fitzpatrick was in studio to discuss Personal Safety, particularly as the festive season approaches.

Personal Safety

As the evenings get darker and the festive season approaches, everyone should be aware of their surroundings, particularly when they are commuting to/and from locations and when they are heading out with colleagues, families and friends.

When it comes to outdoor safety, individuals should remember that when they are going out they should have PLANS and be “Streetwise”:

• Plan night out, how you are getting there and back?
• Let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be back.
• Avoid walking alone in dark areas. Where possible, try to walk in numbers and stick to busy streets with lots of lighting and traffic.
• Never attempt to reason with drunk or aggressive people and be
• Streetwise - get to know the locality and the surroundings, and mind your valuables.

It’s a good idea to upload emergency contacts onto your phone and activate find my phone on your device. Keep a record of your IMEI number (Dial *#06# to get it) Take a screenshot and email it to yourself or record it somewhere safely). This will help An Garda Síochána to return your device to you if it’s located or handed in. A lot of people now use their phone as a method of payment, if you leave your phone down it could be like leaving your wallet down – always know where your property is.

 

Plan your trip out and home. Find out about public transport timetables and/or where you can park vehicles or bikes securely. If possible have a designated driver or a “buddy” with you for support. If you plan on drinking, never accept a drink poured by someone you do not trust.

 

If you are the designated driver, lock your vehicle and leave it in a well-lit area. Don’t leave any valuables inside. Never ever drive while under the influence of an intoxicant!

Overall, watch out for one another. If someone is too intoxicated – make sure they get home safely.

Personal Safety tips when out and about this period:

• Drink responsibly.
• Never try to reason with drunk or aggressive people.
• Plan your routes to and from venues.
• Charge your phone before going out.
• Tell somebody when you plan to be home.
• Mind your belongings when in crowded areas. Use a bag with a strap that goes around your neck and diagonally across your body.
• Conceal your PIN entry at all times when using a bankcard.
• Keep to populated areas and avoid deserted streets at night.
• Don’t bring attention to yourself by wearing expensive jewellery or leaving belongings exposed.
• Be aware of your surroundings, walk purposefully and confidently.
• Avoid talking short – cuts through deserted areas particularly after dark.
• If you are travelling to a remote area inform somebody where you are going.

The theft of a mobile phone can impact on a person’s life on many levels. Firstly, it’s an expensive piece of technology which can be costly to replace. It also serves, not only as a phone and our main point of contact, but very often the key to a lot of personal data that we use every day – banking, bills, sentimental photos, school and college information, and even the weather.

Statistics:

• The month of December usually sees a rise in assault cases. In 2023 there was an 11% increase from November – December, and in 2024 it was a 12% increase.
• Assault causing harm incidents – 40% occurred on the weekend (Saturday and Sunday), followed by Friday 13.8%. Incidents occurring on the Street / Road and Footpath account for 30%.
• Saturday is the most common day for robbery from the person incidents to occur accounting for 16.1%.
• Electronic / Office Equipment & Cash / Cheques account for just under 45% of items stolen.
• Mobile phones are the most common item stolen.

 

Some basic tips to keep your phone safe:

 

• Register your mobile phone with your Service Provider.
• Take a careful note of your unique 15 digit mobile phone IMEI number.
• The IMEI number will be on the original box or located on the back of your phone underneath the battery, or you can locate it by dialling *#06# on your keypad, screenshot the series of barcodes and email it to yourself).
• Enable the PIN Security feature and or biometrics option and keep your phone locked when not in use.
• When out and about, keep your mobile phone out of public view, be streetwise and always be aware of your surroundings.
• Property mark your phone with unique personal letters or numbers.
• Avoid making calls or texting on your phone while crossing the road.
• If making or receiving a mobile phone call in public, always do so with full awareness of your surroundings so that you can reduce the opportunity for the phone to be stolen.
• If you a have a smart phone, consider downloading a location finder App.
• Consider disabling airplane mode in the quick settings menu (swipe down) or control centre.
• Your smartphone may be vulnerable to cyber threats, consider downloading an official mobile security app to protect against potential viruses and other malware.
• If your mobile phone is lost or stolen, immediately report it to An Garda Síochána and contact your Service Provider in order to have your IMEI number blocked, so that it can’t be used.
• Never leave your mobile phone behind in an unattended vehicle.

Gardaí in Dundalk are investigating the circumstances of a Fatal Road Traffic Collision that occurred on the L3168, Ardee Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth last night Saturday 15th November, 2025 shortly after 9pm.

The collision occurred on the L3168 in the townland of Gibstown, Dundalk involving two vehicles a Volkswagen Golf and a Toyota Landcruiser.

The occupants of the Volkswagen Golf, five young adults are deceased as a result of this Road Traffic Collision.  With the permission of the families An Garda Síochána can confirm the names of the deceased as:

• Chloe McGee, age 23 years, Carickmacross
• Alan McCluskey, age 23 years, Drumconrath
• Dylan Commins, age 23 years, Ardee
• Shay Duffy, age 21 years, Carrickmacross
• Chloe Hipson, age 21 years, Lanarkshire, Scotland

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.

Family Liaison Officers were appointed to each of the families to provide support and An Garda Síochána will keep the families updated as to the course of the ongoing investigation.

A sixth occupant of the Volkswagen Golf, a male in his 20s, is receiving medical treatment in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda for non-life threatening injuries.

The occupants of the Toyota Landcruiser a male and a female in their 20s are also taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda for medical treatment for non-life threatening injuries.

An incident room was established at Dundalk Garda Station and a Senior Investigating Officer is appointed.

Garda Appeal

• Anyone with information on this road traffic collision to contact the investigation team at Dundalk Garda Station. 
• To any person who travelled the L3168 between 8.30pm and 9.15pm, during Saturday 15th November 2025 or who may have any camera footage or images from, to contact the investigation team.

Gardaí at Tralee station are investigating a Hit and Run Collision which occurred on the 7th of November 2025.  On the date in question at approximately 7:20am, the victim was walking along the Castlemaine Road inbound, in the direction of Tralee, when he was struck by the wing mirror of a vehicle.  The victim, who was wearing a high visibility jacket and carrying a lit LED flashlight, fell to the ground and suffered a compound fracture to his left arm as a result.  The vehicle failed to remain at the scene.

Garda Appeal

• Gardaí are looking to speak to anyone in and around the Castlemaine Road area of Tralee on the 7th of November, 2025, at approximately 7:20am and who may have been commuting or using the road during school/preschool run.
• Enquiries have established that the offending vehicle was a black saloon or estate type vehicle which was driving erratically and at speed. We are hoping that witnesses may have noted the direction of travel of a suspect vehicle or a registration which could be used to progress enquiries.
• Any member of the public who was in the area and may have Dash Cam footage - we would like to speak to them also.
• Gardaí believe the vehicle was in the Tralee town area shortly after 7.20am and any dash cam footage that would have captured this vehicle, would be greatly appreciated.

TheGardaí at Navan station are seeking the public’s help in locating 28-year-old Jordan Newman, last seen on 10th November on the Dublin Road, in Navan, Co. Meath.

In the early hours of the morning of the 10th, Jordan was seen at a bus stop, on the Dublin bound side, across from the Ardboyne Hotel at approximately 00:15 hrs.

Gardaí and his family are very concerned for Jordan as there has been no contact from him. Searches have continued over the past week of land and  the River Boyne to try and locate Jordan but without success.

Description of Jordan Newman:

• 28 years old
• 6ft 3 height
• 15st
• Tight blonde hair cut
• He was last seen was wearing a black jacket, yellow T-Shirt and black tracksuit bottoms.

Garda Appeal:

• Any motorists who were in the area after midnight on the 11th November to check for dashcam footage, or the possibility that they have seen Jordan.
• Any CCTV footage from the buses that travel on the route.
• Direct appeal Jordan to make contact and let his family know he is safe.

1. What is a Vulnerable Road User?

A vulnerable road user (VRU) refers to someone using the road who is at greater risk of serious injury or death because they have less protection than occupants of motor vehicles. Common VRUs include:

• Pedestrians
• Cyclists
• Motorcyclists
• E-scooter or micromobility device users
• Children and older road users

2. Why the Risk is Higher for Vulnerable Road Users

There are several contributing factors:

• Speed & impact severity: At higher speeds, the risk of death or serious injury for a vulnerable road user struck by a vehicle increases dramatically. At 80 km/h, the chance of a pedestrian surviving is very low, whereas at 30 km/h survival improves markedly.
• Visibility & awareness: VRUs are less visible than larger vehicles; drivers may fail to see cyclists or pedestrians in poor lighting or bad weather especially at this time of year.
• Less structural protection: Unlike car drivers, VRUs are exposed directly; a collision often results in more serious injury.
• Shared spaces & distractions: Urban roads, mix cars, buses, cyclists and pedestrians. Mistakes or distractions (mobile phones, etc) increase risk.

3. The Added Dangers in Winter

As we move into winter, VRUs face elevated risks due to several seasonal factors:

• Reduced daylight & poor visibility: Shorter days mean many commuters, pedestrians and cyclists are on the road in dawn/dusk or dark conditions. In these times, drivers’ visibility is worse, and VRUs are harder to spot. An Garda Siochana’s  “Winter Ready” campaign specifically addresses this.
• Adverse weather conditions: Rain, sleet, fog, frost or snow reduce traction and stopping‐distances for all road users. Slippery surfaces are especially hazardous for cyclists or pedestrians slipping or being unable to avoid a hazard. The RSA’s “Severe Weather” campaign addresses these issues.
• Glare & low sun: The angle of the winter sun and glare can reduce driver visibility, making it harder to spot VRUs.
• Walking & cycling in darkness: Many VRUs will be outdoors when it’s dark. Survey data show a worrying number of pedestrians rarely wear high‐visibility clothing in poor lighting.
• Driver changes & distractions: With weather and lighting changes, driver behaviour needs to adjust (reduced speed, greater alertness).

 

 

4. Advice for Protecting Vulnerable Road Users in Winter

Below are some key practical tips for both VRUs themselves and for other road users (drivers) to help protect VRUs.

For VRUs (pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, e-scooter users):

• Wear high-visibility or reflective clothing, especially when it is dark or visibility is poor. “Be careful … wear high visibility clothing, brake early…”.
• Use lights if cycling or on micromobility devices (white front light, red rear light) and keep them in working order.
• Choose well-lit routes and keep to footpaths/cycle-lanes when available.
• Be especially cautious around junctions and where drivers may have limited view (e.g., parked cars, bunds).
• Be aware of weather and surface conditions: ice, wet leaves, grit can all reduce traction and increase the chance of a fall or slip.
• Avoid distractions (phones/headphones) so you can hear and see approaching vehicles.
• Plan extra time: don’t rush in poor conditions.

For drivers and other vehicle users:

• Slowdown in winter conditions. Lower speed allows more time to react to VRUs entering the roadway.
• Be aware of VRUs especially at dawn, dusk and darkness when visibility is reduced.
• Use dipped headlights in daylight if visibility is poor.
• Give extra space when passing cyclists or pedestrians: when road conditions are poor, they may have less ability to manoeuvre.
• Be alert at junctions, pedestrian crossings, near cycle-lanes; look out for cyclists/pedestrians who may be obscured by vehicles or poor light.
• Avoid distractions (mobile phones) – any delay in reaction time greatly increases risk for VRUs.
• Consider whether the journey is necessary in severely adverse weather, and if so, be especially vigilant.

5. Conclusion

Vulnerable road users are disproportionately affected by collisions due to their reduced protection and increased exposure. Seasonal factors—darkness, poor weather, slippery surfaces—amplify these risks during winter. To make the roads a safer place for vulnerable road users, the path forward is clear: visibility, speed reduction, and heightened awareness from all road users are essential. For VRUs the key is to make oneself as visible and predictable as possible; for drivers it is to adapt to the conditions, watch for VRUs, and drive in a manner that recognises their vulnerability. Together, we can reduce the toll of winter road casualties.

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, building 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 when they discovered the human remains.  

A full post mortem was carried out. DNA samples were obtained but when set against the National DNA Database, a match was NOT obtained.  DNA of the deceased is currently on the national DNA database, European DNA database familial and there is currently a black notice on the DNA profile with Interpol.

The services of the Missing Persons Unit and the Garda National Protective Services Bureau were engaged. Items of evidence are currently being examined by a Forensic Scientist. Carbon dating and all available scientific resources have been engaged as part of the investigation.  Carbon Dating and Isotope results, have indicated that the female passed away between 1985 and 1987, and would have had a healthy diet, consisting of the regular consumption and meat and fish.

A number of DNA samples have been taken from concerned members of the public, a positive match has not been obtained to date.

Examinations of missing person’s records have not identified any potential matches.

The investigation team have recently engaged the expertise of Dr. Michelle Vitali of PennWest University, a forensic artist, who is a specialist in facial reconstruction. Dr. Vitali has been working with of An Garda Síochána for a period of time, conducting analysis of the skull and dentures, and has completed an illustration / drawing of what the unidentified remains may have looked like.

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 Osteoarthritis
• Wore dentures – believed to have been made in the 1960’s.
• Was wearing a faded white garment on the upper body
• The clothing, most notably is a distinctive patterned Dress/Nightdress, which was buttoned to the collar
• Footwear, it is believed that the female had a small shoe size, around size 2, and Gardaí now believe that brown leather shoes, may have been those of the remains, and were probably privately made, possibly in the Cork City area.

Gardaí Appeal: 

• Take a look at the sketches of this lady, do you recognise her?
• Someone in the community must know how the female skeletal remains came to be at this locality known as “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 Siochana want and need to provide closure for a family that remain unknown and ensure that the remains are brought to a final resting place
• House to house enquiries were conducted in the local area, at the time the remains were found and the local missing person records were 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.