Aggravated Burglary – Loughrea, Co. Galway

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Gardaí at Loughrea Garda Station are investigating an Aggravated Burglary that occurred on Wednesday 31st January 2024 shortly before 2am.

On the morning in question, two men were seen on the Main Street and Weaver’s Rest area of Loughrea. They stood at this junction for a few minutes before going back to the car park. They then returned to Main Street and walked down Piggott Street where they remained for approximately 15minutes, observing a phone shop.

The two suspects then approached the back door of the phone shop, forced open the bottom panel of the door and gained entry. The owner of the business was upstairs at the time and went to the top of the stairs. The taller of the suspects stayed at the bottom of the stairs with what appeared to be a crowbar, while the smaller of the suspects placed items into a black bin bag. The two suspects then swapped places and the taller suspect then placed more mobile phones into the black bin bag, while the smaller suspect stood at the bottom of the stairs.

The two men then left the phone shop, exiting via the back door of the shop. They continued out a gate, onto Piggott Street, turning right onto Main Street and then left onto Station Road.

In total 36 mobile phones to the value of €28,000 was taken during the course of this aggravated burglary.

Garda Appeal

Anyone who may have been on Main Street, Loughrea, Co. Galway between 1:15am and 2:30am on 31st January 2024 and who may have seen anyone suspicious in the area during that time.
Do you recall seeing the two suspects? One man is particularly tall and wore a green jacket. The second male is much shorter and wore a green jacket.
Do you recognise the two suspects or know their identities?
Have you been approached and offered any mobile phones?
This incident has had a significant impact and financial cost to this local business. If you think you can assist the investigation in any way - please contact us.

Description of Suspects:

Suspect 1:

Stocky build
Height 6’2’’ to 6’4’’ approximately (187 – 193cm)
Green jacket with dark jeans and black and white runners
Carrying what appears to be an iron bar
Appears to be the person in charge, directing the other suspect

Suspect 2:

Height – 5’6’’ to 5’8’’ approximately (167 -172cm)
Thin build
Green jacket with dark jeans and black runners, carrying a backpack