Aggravated burglary at Cullahill, Laois on the 9/5/11.

The Gardaí at Abbeyleix Garda Station are investigating an aggravated burglary that occurred at a filling station on Monday the 9th May 2011 at Cullahill, Co. Laois.

At approximately 11pm the owner of the filling station was in the kitchen of her home which is adjacent to the petrol station.  She went out the back patio door to get something from her car.  Her dog started barking and she saw a hooded figure climbing over the back wall into her garden.  The woman ran back into her home and locked the back patio door.  The four masked and armed raiders where now in the back garden and ran after her.  The raiders smashed the window of the patio door and gained entry to her home.  The woman ran to the alarm but was grabbed by one of the raiders before she could set if off.  The raiders brought her back to the kitchen and placed her on a chair.  They threatened her and demanded money and cigarettes.  They told her they would not harm her if she did what they told her.  She gave them what ever cash she had in her home.  One of the raiders went upstairs and ransacked the bedrooms.  They demanded to know where the safe was.  She told them it was in the shop.  They ordered her to give them the keys to the shop. T hey brought her to shop.  At some point another raider drove a dark coloured BMW into the back garden.  The raiders prised open the cigarette machine with crow bars.  They filled up big bags and bins with cigarettes.  They told the woman they would tie her up but she pleaded with them.  They left her locked in a bathroom in her home. 

Appeal:

• Anyone who was in the area at the time of this incident and may be in a position to offer any assistance with the investigation to contact the Gardaí

• Anyone who may have seen a black 5 series  BMW vehicle 2007 to 2010 model in the area before or after this incident to contact the Gardaí

• Anyone with information in relation to the identity of the persons involved in this incident