2025

The Gardaí at Newbridge are investing a burglary that occurred at the Station Walk housing estate, Newbridge on Saturday evening, 19th October 2024.  At 8.30pm approx. upon the victims return, they discovered a window to the rear of the house had been prised open and the house had been entered. Gardaí believe that at least two and possibly three suspects were involved. The victims subsequently reported the loss of items of jewellery to the value of €30,000 approx. It is believed that the suspects travelled in a black Mini with silver alloys.

Description of jewellery:

It should be noted that 90% of the jewellery stolen was purchased in India and same would be hallmarked. The reaming jewellery (bangles) was purchased in Dubai and Saudi Arabia and one Pandora ring was purchased in Ireland.  

Suspect descriptions:

Suspect 1:

• Slim build
• Average height
• Dark clothing

Suspect 2:

• Slim build
• Average height
• Dark clothing

Garda Appeal:

• Where you at the Station Walk estate on Saturday 19/10/2024 between 7.30 – 8.30pm?
• Did you see the suspects and/or the Black Mini in the estate or in the vicinity?
• Have you been offered any of the items of jewellery for sale since?
• Do you know the whereabouts of the jewellery?
• Do you know the identity of the suspects?
• Do you know who owns / has possession of a Black Mini?

 Newbridge Garda Station – Tel: (045) 440180

Gardaí at Wicklow Garda Station are investigating a burglary incident that occurred shortly before 1am on Sunday 17th November 2024. 

On the date in question, a car believed to be an Opel Vectra turned into a local supermarket at Redcross, Co. Wicklow and parked up at the side of the shop.  One male suspect approached a shed at the back of the premises where he attempted to gain entry.  He then returned to the car.

Shortly after, two suspects manage to enter the shop through a side door.  The two suspects placed vapes and cigarettes into bags and baskets and a third suspect searches behind the counter.  The third suspect left the shop, carrying these items.  The two other suspects follow shortly carrying more items in a black bin bag.  The three suspects returned again and gained access to an office.  They spent time in the office and left after placing some more items in a black bag. The three suspects returned to the car and left the scene, in what Gardaí believe to be the direction of the M11 Motorway.

The suspects were on the scene for approximately 20 minutes.  There was a significant amount of cigarettes, vapes and cash taken during the course of this burglary.

Suspect Descriptions:

Suspect 1:

• Age: approx. in his 20’s.
• Height: Approx: 6’
• Slim build
• Black North Face Jacket (Purple shoulders)
• Black balaclava
• Black beanie
• Black trainers

Suspect 2:

• Age: approx. in his 20’s.
• Height: Approx 5’10”
• Slim build
• Grey / Black North Face jacket with grey hood
• Black trousers
• Grey New Balance trainers
• Grey gloves
• Black Balaclava

Suspect 3:

• Age: approx. in his 20’s.
• Height: Approx. 5’10”
• Slim build
• Grey / Black North Face jacket with grey hood
• Yellow bucket hat
• 1 Orange glove (right hand), 1 Grey glove (left hand)
• Black trousers
• Grey runners

Garda Appeal:

• Anyone that may have been in the Redcross area on the early hours of Sunday 17th November, that may have witnessed a car parked at the side of the shop.
• Did you travel on the road from the M11 to Redcross?
• Do you recognise any of the suspects from the CCTV?
• Do you have dashcam footage?
• Gardaí believe there were other cars travelling in the Redcross area on the night in question, and are appealing for them to come forward as they may be able to assist the investigation.

Wicklow Garda Station - Investigating. Tel: (0404) 67107

The Gardaí at Fermoy Garda Station are investigating a burglary incident that occurred at Dublin Road, Fermoy on Tuesday January 14th 2025.  The suspects drove a Renault Megane arriving into the town shortly after 3.20am.

A few minutes later they turned right into a cul de sac adjacent to the Filling Station, where they parked the Megane.  Two male suspects then made their way to the station forecourt, and towards the rear of the building, before returning with a concrete block. The block was then used to break the glass in the front door and both entered the store.

Once inside, both men went behind the till area. The larger of the two suspects used what appears to be a duvet cover to fill with cigarette products, while the other male held it open. One of the suspects then went to the till and pulled it out of its holder, falling backwards as he did so. After a few minutes the men left, and ran across the forecourt towards the cul de sac. The Renault Megane appeared from the cul de sac a few minutes later where it is seen on CCTV driving through the town.

This time it drove in the opposite direction to its approach to the service station. It left Fermoy crossing the main bridge in the town which is the N72, and headed in the Tallow and Waterford direction.  

Suspect Description:

Suspect 1:

• Taller of the two – approx.6ft
• Build – stockier of the two
• White male
• Wearing all dark clothing
• Face covering and gloves.

Suspect 2:

• Smaller of the two – approx. 5.8ft
• Build -  slimmer
• White male
• Wearing all black with hood up
• Face covering and gloves.

Suspect Car:

• Renault Megane
• Saloon – (4) door
• Possibly 2002 to 2008 registration
• Dark colour – metallic

Garda Appeal:

• Were you in Fermoy during the early hours of Tuesday January 14th 2025?
• Did you see the suspects or the Renault Megane?
• Do you know who currently owns or had possession of the Megane on January 14th?
• Did you observe the car or suspects prior to or after the burglary?
• Do you know the identity of these suspects?
• Do you have any information that will assist with the investigation?

Fermoy Garda Station - Investigating - Tel: (025) 82100

On this month’s Crimecall, Sergeant John Fitzpatrick was in studio and provided Crime Prevention information in relation to “Bogus Callers / Traders”.

An Garda Síochána are advising the public to be vigilant when cold callers call to a home offering a service such as repair work / maintenance or goods for sale.  While there are legitimate sales people calling to homes offering legitimate services and many people do routinely employ people offering work / services at the front door, some individuals (Bogus Callers) aim to take advantage of vulnerable people. This usually involves coercing a victim into handing out large amounts of money for little work or gaining trust to access your home.

This behaviour may be criminal, with investigations of this nature not limited to but ranging from offences such as criminal damage, burglary, theft, deception to demanding money with menaces. If it sounds too good to be true it usually is.

If you suspect that bogus caller(s) or trades person(s) are operating in your area and appear suspicious or are working in a vulnerable neighbour’s home, please contact the Gardaí and notify your neighbours. Try to note as much additional information about them as possible but never put yourself at risk. Information such as a description of the individual’s height, clothing, accent and details of any vehicle they are using, e.g. vehicle colour, make, model, registration number.

Bogus callers may operate in a number of ways. They will call to the home of a victim usually identified by them beforehand. This is often the home of an older or vulnerable person who may be living alone. This information is usually gleaned by surveillance or ‘discreet’ / ‘innocent’ enquiries made by them locally. They may also target the person because they have been ’successful’ there previously. The majority of incidents occur during the course of the day between 9am to 4pm, between Monday and Friday.

Some of the reasons these Bogus Callers may give for calling to the door is outlined below:

• Tree Cutting/Trimming services
• Roof Cleaning
• Roof Repairing
• Window Cleaning
• Driveway Power Washing
• Landscaping
• Painting
• Odd Jobs
• Charity
• Sale of Clothes
• Carol Signing
• Gutter Cleaning
• Gutter Repair
• County Council
• Garda – Checking Cash
• Cash found outside home
• Tarmac for sale
• Replace fire extinguishers
• Clean Garden

Examples of how a bogus caller(s) may operate is outlined below:

1. Distraction Burglary

They will call to a home under the guise of selling a product or a service. They will keep the resident at the door talking for as long as possible. This is to allow time for an accomplice to enter the home through a different access point to steal items of value.

2. Poor or no work carried out / excessive charges

They will often call on the pretext of being professional trades persons, e.g. roofers, guttering experts, painters, etc. and convince the victim that repairs need to be carried out or that they have worked on a neighbouring house.

Services will be offered on the understanding that they are competent and in-expensive. The bogus callers) will then usually go to the roof, attic, or hard to reach area of the house identified and give the impression that they are carrying out works, e.g. by hammering, drilling, painting etc. On completing the ‘work’, invariably in a short period, they then demand payment by cash, often using threatening and intimidating tactics. They may even commence ‘work’ without permission and then demand payment and may even go as far as offering to drive the victim to the bank to collect money.

3. Bogus Charges

Different member(s) of the same criminal group may return at a future date to a victim’s home posing as V.A.T. or Revenue Officials. They will demand money for ‘work’ already performed by them and seek further payments.

4. Deposit Scam

When the bogus caller(s) has spoken with a resident and are satisfied that the intended victim has been hoodwinked into engaging them for work, they will demand a deposit to purchase the materials to carry out the necessary repairs. Having secured the deposit they flee, never to return.

5. Opportunity Thefts / Coercion

They will target a particular area and offer a real or genuine service to the victim or may convince the resident they are from a utility services provider such as Gas, Water or Electricity with a need to check inside the property for faults. Having gained entry they may wander through the home to see if there are any items of value. This could be furniture, paintings or other valuables. They will then offer to buy the item for well below the market value. They then coerce their victim to sign receipts for the sale of the article secured by them. They can use subtle and intimidating tactics into forcing the victim to ‘sell’ to them what they want.

With regards to bogus callers we advise you to keep control, consider this security check:

• Are you expecting callers? If not look out the window to see the caller(s), make a note of their clothing, physical description or their vehicles description.

• Have you a door viewer fitted in your door? You are safer behind a closed door.
• Have you a door chain / limiter fitted and the chain / limiter engaged? If you must open the door, use the limiter.
• Consider installing a video doorbell which links to your mobile phone, that way you don’t have to open the door to speak to the caller and can do so from the mobile device.
• If you are going to open your door to callers, ensure your back door is locked before you do.
• If you are going to engage, ask for ID – a genuine caller won’t mind.
• Don’t be embarrassed to tell the caller to write their contact details down for you so that you can make an appointment with them in the future if you decide to.
• Use recommended trades persons, avoid using the services of cold callers.
• The basic rule is - if you don’t know the person at your door, you shouldn’t let them in.
• If you are anxious and feel you are being targeted contact Gardaí on 999 or 112.

If you think you have become a victim to this type of crime what should you do? 

• Never be embarrassed or ashamed to contact the Gardaí. Do so immediately. 
• Write down all you can remember about what happened - include descriptions of the person(s), their clothing, any peculiarities or distinguishing features and any vehicles used by them. Keep safely any documents they may have given you.
• For those people who may have elderly or vulnerable neighbours or friends, be a good neighbour and advise them of these possible scams. If you suspect that bogus callers or trades people are in your area and appear suspicious or are working in a vulnerable neighbour’s home – never hesitate in contacting the Gardaí immediately.
• Genuine trades’ people will not be offended by any enquiries the Gardaí may make and, indeed, usually welcome them.

Ask your local Garda station about ‘bogus caller cards’. These cards advise that the front door should not be open to cold callers. If you answer the door, apply the chain or door limiter and hand the caller the card. Do not enter into a conversation with the caller.  As stated above genuine callers will leave their details on the card. For further Information see - bogus-traders-callers.pdf (garda.ie)

On this month’s CrimeCall, Crime Prevention segment, Sergeant John Fitzpatrick provided information in relation to farm livestock / sheep worrying. 

At this time of the year (Spring) many livestock farmers will be busy with lambing season, people who live and frequent our rural areas of the country need to be aware how sensitive this time of the year is for farmers and in particular their livestock.

Livestock/Sheep Worrying:

Livestock worrying is the phrase used when a dog may worry or attack livestock animals in rural, farmland areas and commonage areas. “Worry” in relation to livestock, means to attack or kill or to chase livestock in such a way as may reasonably be expected to cause the death of or injury or suffering to the livestock or to result in financial loss to the owner of the livestock.

This crime typically occurs in the countryside and is a particular problem when dogs, even those that are well trained, are not controlled by their owners or let off their leads roaming without an owner or person in charge of them. In doing so, dogs may enter land occupied by livestock and scare or attack livestock animals.

Even small dogs may chase a flock of sheep, although it may not be able to inflict bite wounds, simply chasing the sheep can cause huge distress and injury to sheep, who will run to escape. Being chased can cause stress to sheep and particularly impacts sheep in lamb. 

The impact of worrying or an attack on livestock for our farming communities can have a devastating effect including financial losses to a farmer, as livestock may be fatally injured or additional time and money may have to be spent ensuring injured sheep that require veterinary care are looked after. Additionally, there is also the emotional impact and stress of seeing the loss, distress and injury caused to your animals from the perspective of the farmer and their family. 

Whilst many dog owners may be unaware of the impact their dogs can have on livestock, it is their responsibility to ensure attacks and worrying occur. They should ensure that dogs are controlled on a lead when out walking so that the dog cannot worry or attack livestock.

Some examples of livestock worrying include:

• A dog chasing livestock in a manner that could cause injury or suffering.
• The stress caused to the animal by the presence of the dog, could, in the case of female livestock, cause miscarriage.
• Livestock becoming desperate in their attempts to escape and injure themselves in doing so.
• Dogs who chase ewes or lambs may cause them to separate from their mothers.

Under the Control of Dogs Act, 1986 the term “livestock” means cattle, sheep, swine, horses and all other equine animals, poultry, goats and deer not in the wild state. Dog owners should familiarise themselves with this act and furthermore be aware that it is an offence under Section 9 of the Control of Dogs Act - if your Dog is found to have worried or attacked livestock. The Dog owner or the person in charge of the Dog at the time may be liable to prosecution. 

9.— (1) The owner or any other person in charge of a dog shall not permit the dog to be in any place other than—

(a) the premises of the owner, or

(b) the premises of such other person in charge of the dog, or

(c) the premises of any other person, with the consent of that person, unless such owner or such other person in charge of the dog accompanies it and keeps it under effectual control.

(2) If a dog worries livestock, the owner or any other person in charge of the dog shall be guilty of an offence unless it is established that at the material time the dog worried the livestock for the purpose of removing trespassing livestock and that having regard to all the circumstances the action was reasonable and necessary.

(3) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (2) of this section shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month, or, at the discretion of the court, to both such fine and such imprisonment.

Furthermore under Section 21 of the Control of Dogs Act, 1986 a dog owner may be liable for damages by a dog.

21.—(1) The owner of a dog shall be liable in damages for damage caused in an attack on any person by the dog and for injury done by it to any livestock; and it shall not be necessary for the person seeking such damages to show a previous mischievous propensity in the dog, or the owner's knowledge of such previous propensity, or to show that such injury or damage was attributable to neglect on the part of the owner.

(2) Where livestock are injured by a dog on land on to which they had strayed, and either the dog belonged to the occupier of the land or its presence on the land was authorised by the occupier, a person shall not be liable under this section in respect of injury done to the livestock, unless the person caused the dog to attack the livestock.

(3) A person is liable in damages for any damage caused by a dog kept on any premises or structure to a person trespassing thereon only in accordance with the rules of law relating to liability for negligence.

(4) (a) Any damage or injury for which a person is made liable under this section shall be deemed to be attributable to a wrong within the meaning of the Civil Liability Act, 1961, and the provisions of that Act shall apply accordingly.

(b) Sections 11 (2) (a) and 11 (2) (b) of the Statute of Limitations, 1957, shall apply to such damage.

Since 2020 proceedings have been brought against (81) dog owners (charged or summons) in relation to the offence of Dog Worrying Livestock.

There have also been over (80) attention and complaints incidents relating to livestock worrying in the past (5) years and over (120) dog offences incidents reported and related to livestock in that same period.

We can all enjoy the benefits of our beautiful countryside together and if you are in the countryside walking, or live in a rural area, please keep your dogs under control and be aware of the consequences. Most sheep kills are carried out by family pets, do not believe your dog won’t do it. If the conditions are right all dogs will chase sheep and as explained earlier it can have catastrophic outcomes.

We would ask people to be responsible, look out for each other and if you see someone acting irresponsibly notify the farmer and dial 999 or 112 if necessary.

Advice for Dog owners or those in charge of Dogs –

• Any dog can worry livestock no matter how well trained.
• Keep your Dog under control at all times.
• Make sure you know where your dog is at all times.

• Regularly check home and perimeter security
• Be aware of the effects of worrying livestock.
• Be respectful to your surroundings in the countryside.
• If you witness an incident, please report it.

An Garda Síochána is committed to tackling rural crime and, in particular, livestock attacks and worrying.

The National Rural Safety Forum (NRSF) is co–chaired by Assistant Commissioner Hilman, An Garda Síochána and the Irish Farmers Association supported by the Department of Justice, the Department of Rural and Community Development, Muintir na Tíre, AgriKids, Irish Country Women’s Association and a range of State agencies and representative groups, who collaboratively work together to reduce crime and the fear of crime in our rural communities.

This month’s segment included advice from Det. Sergeant Paul Johnstone, Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau who discussed online risks and prevention advice. The Crimecall team went on location and conducted an interview with a victim of online sharing of intimate images. Paul commended the victim for her strength in coming forward to report the crime to Gardaí and for sharing her story with the viewers of Crimecall, some of whom may be in a similar situation or be victims of online abuse. He discussed other types of online abuse and crimes and offered preventive advice.

Types of online abuse or crimes:  

• Frauds such as Phishing, Vishing or Smishing where a fake link is contained in an email, voicemail or a text message.
• Missed delivery scams were you are asked to scan a code and provide bank or payment details.
• Harassment where someone is abused directly or nasty comments are made about them within a group.
• We recently celebrated Valentine’s Day and this traditionally sees the rise of Romance Scams where a potential partner contacts a victim over dating apps or Social Media and very quickly starts asking for money for a medical procedure or a business venture. But they never reveal much about themselves and never fully agree to meet.
• Sexual abuse crimes online where victims willingly share intimate content with someone they trust, only to find the other person is not what they seem and demand payment to stop the images being shared.

Steps to prevent falling victim to these types of crimes:

• Never click on links from unknown sources. Hover first to check where the link leads to.
• When it comes to missed delivery notices, contact the delivery company if you have ordered something. Clearly if you can’t remember ordering something, you should just ignore it.
• Romance scams - the red flag is when they start asking for money to put an end to the conversation. But first of all search for their photo online to see if it has been used or flagged elsewhere by someone else.
• A great rule is to never share personal information or images online unless you know the other person. And if you are sharing, ask yourself would you put the content on a notice in the local shop. If the answer is no, then don’t put it online.

What should someone do if they are abused or harassed online?

• First of all, stop all communications.
• Don’t pay any money or cryptocurrency demands.
• Block the other user and keep a copy of all of the conversations or chats, including details of the account they told you to pay into.
• Report it to your local Garda station with details of the abuser’s profile and what happened.
• Be able to give the Gardaí a copy of the chats or communications and crypto accounts involved.
• We are there to help and we will do all we can to identify the offender and bring them before the courts where a crime has been committed.
• So it’s essential that you report these crimes to your local Station early.

Gardaí at Trim station are investigating a Hit and Run collision, which occurred on the 5th May 2024.  At approximately 5:30pm, a Peugeot 207 registration number 03LH746 drove into the car park attached to Trim Courthouse.  Shortly after a male wearing a red jacket, and a female walked out of the car park and turned onto Castle Street. 

At approximately 10:30pm, the IP and his friend were standing on Castle Street having a cigarette.  The Peugeot 207, emerged from the car park and drove straight across the road, colliding with the victim.  Immediately after the incident, the car reversed and drove at speed along Castle Street. A male wearing a distinctive red jacket could be seen driving the car.  The victim received injuries to his leg as a result.

Suspect Description

• Wearing Red jacket, blue jeans and tan boots
• White male
• Approximately 5’7/8”
• Average build

Garda Appeal:

• Anyone in the Trim area on the night of the 5th May 2024, to come forward as they may be able to assist the investigation.
• Did you see the suspect wearing a red jacket?
• Did you see the silver Peugeot 207, registration 03LH746, or know of its current whereabouts?

Trim Garda Station, investigating.  Tel: 046-9481540

Gardaí at Kilkenny Garda Station are seeking the public’s assisting in locating 67-year old Katherine ‘Kathy’ Norris. Kathy was reported missing from her home in Kilkenny City and was last seen walking in the vicinity of Stephen Street, Kilkenny on the morning of Tuesday February 4th at approximately 10am. Kathy’s family and friends are all very anxious to hear from her, as they just want to hear that she is safe and well.

Description:

• Height 5ft 1
• Build - Slight
• Long white/ blond hair with a fringe
• Wears glasses

Garda Appeal:

• Did you see Kathy since February 4 after she was seen on Stephens Street?
• Gardaí and Katherine's family are very concerned for her well-being and ask that if you can assist the investigation in any possible, that you please do so?  

Kilkenny Garda Station-Investigating – Tel:(056)-7775000

Gardaí at Henry Street Garda Station together with Luke Price’s family appealed to the public to help trace and locate twenty-seven-year-old Luke Price, who was last seen on Tuesday 14th January 2025. 

On the day in question, Luke travelled from Portlaoise to Colbert Train Station, Limerick city via Limerick Junction. He socialised in Limerick and then went to O’Curry Street with a friend.  He left O’Curry Street at approximately 9pm and went in the direction of Dock Road, It is unknown where Luke went after Dock road and his current whereabouts is unknown.

A number of searches have taken place with the help of family members and volunteers, which have included the services of the Tipperary Search and Rescue, the R115 helicopter, Valentia Coastguard, Marine Rescue and Civil Defence and Gardaí.

Description:

• 27 year old male
• Approximately 5’10”
• Slight build
• Brown shoulder length hair, the end of it is bleached blonde
• Blue eyes.
• When last seen he was wearing a black jacket, pink t-shirt with a purple design on front of it, dark coloured knitted jumper and black boots.
• Luke wears glasses.

Garda Appeal

• Take a look at the images of Luke, together with his description. Do you remember seeing or speaking to him either on Tuesday 14th or since?
• Thomas’s family and Gardaí are anxious for your assistance to help advance the investigation and locate Thomas. If you think you can assist Thomas’s family and the investigation team, please do not to hesitate to get in touch. Let the investigation team asses whatever it is you have to offer?

Henry Street Garda Station - Investigating.  Tel: 061-212400

The Gardaí at Ballina are investigating the murder of 28 year old Sandra Collins who went missing on Monday the 4 December 2000 from the small village of Killala, Co. Mayo.  She had lived in the village with her Aunt who she looked after for a number of years. Sandra left her Aunt's house at Courthouse Street, Killala on the Monday evening at 7.30 pm.

At 7.45pm she arrived at a local shop where she bought some groceries for her Aunt and a neighbour.  She was last seen at the local takeaway at around 11:15pm that night.  Four days later on the 8 December 2000 her fleece was found on the pier in Killala. A half-pound of sausages that Sandra bought in the shop earlier where still in the pocket of the fleece.

Sandra’s sister Bridie and brother Patrick made an appeal for information to help them find her remains, and to allow them to bury their sister. Detective Superintendent Frank Finn was in studio to explain the impact of such a case on a small community like Kilalla and made the following appeal.

Garda Appeal:

• We would like to thank the public for their assistance to date. Despite an extensive investigation, both Sandra's family and An Garda Síochána are still hoping that you can you provide the investigation with any information that may assist the team?
• Do you have information as the whereabouts of Sandra’s remains? Can you take us from that last sighting of Sandra at the local chipper in Kilala to where her remains are now?
• The investigation continues as it has done for the last 24 years. An Garda Síochána are committed to seeking justice for Sandra and the Collins family. We may or may not have spoken to you previously, either way it's never too late to assist the investigation: Perhaps you have information you thought was insignificant at the time, or it could be that after 24 years your circumstances have changed. We would like to assure you that you will be treated in a respectful, compassionate and sensitive manner.
• Sandra's family have been devastated and are grieving her loss for 24 years now. It is possible that information you have may help progress this investigation and help give the Collins' family some closure as they face into the 25th year without her. It's never too late to do the right thing and give Sandra and her family what they deserve.

Ballina Garda Station – Tel: (096) 20560

Over the last few weeks, we have seen some very challenging driving conditions in some parts of the country due to low temperatures. Ireland’s roads can be challenging at this time of year, because we do not get wintery conditions for long enough to justify winter tyres, tyre chains or other measures adopted in other countries.

Advice for drivers during cold weather :

1. Prepare Your Vehicle Before setting off, make sure your car is winter-ready.

• Check your tyres: Ensure they have the correct pressure and thread depth. The legal limit is 1.6mm, but I recommend as least 3mm, particularly in winter.
• Clear all snow and ice from your windows, mirrors, lights, and roof to improve visibility and prevent hazards.
• Ensure your windscreen washer fluid is topped up with a suitable antifreeze mix.

2. Drive to the Conditions During icy or snowy weather, it’s crucial to adjust your driving.

• Slow down: Reduced speeds give you more time to react.
• Increase your following distance: Leave at least 10 seconds between you and the car in front to account for longer braking distances.
• Gentle manoeuvres: Use smooth steering, acceleration, and braking to avoid skidding.
• Use a High Gear for Manual Transmissions: Using a high gear increases your engine revolutions and gives you more control over your vehicle.  

3. Use Your Lights During poor visibility, switch on your dipped headlights. Daytime Running Lights (DRL’s) may not be suitable on dark days so make sure you turn your dipped headlights on. Avoid using full beams in snow, as it can reflect the light and reduce visibility further.
4. Avoid Risky Areas If possible, avoid hills or untreated roads, as they’re more likely to be hazardous. Stick to main roads, which are more likely to be gritted.
5. Be Prepared for Emergencies Carry essential items in your car:

• An ice scraper and de-icer.
• A flashlight, blanket, and high-visibility vest.
• A charged mobile phone and an emergency kit with food and water.

6. Know How to Handle a Skid If your vehicle starts to skid:

• Stay calm.
• Ease off the accelerator and steer gently into the skid. Avoid slamming the brakes, as this can make things worse.

Finally, only drive if it’s absolutely necessary. If the weather is severe, consider postponing your journey or using public transport.

Remember, winter roads demand extra caution. By following these tips, you can help keep yourself, your passengers, and others safe.

Thank you, and stay safe on the roads.

Gavin Coleman, Sergeant

DMR Roads Policing Division

Gardaí at Galway Garda Station, are currently seeking the public’s assistance, in locating 44 year old Barry Monaghan.

Last Known Addresses:

• St Eithne Road, Cabra, Dublin 7
• Fortlawn Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

Description:

• Height 5ft 10
• Stocky build
• Brown Hair
• Dublin accent

 Galway Garda Station - investigating. Tel: 091-538000

Gardaí at the Bridewell station, (Dublin), are currently seeking the public’s assistance, in locating 55-year-old Jeremy Cooper.

Last Known Addresses:

• Woodfield, Cappagh Road, Galway City
• Known to frequent North Dublin City Centre

Description:

• - Height 6ft
• - Broad Build
• - Brown / Grey hair
• - Usually has stubble
• - Blue eyes

Bridewell Garda Station - Investigating. Tel: 01-6668200

Gardaí at Balbriggan Garda Station, are currently seeking the public’s assistance, in locating 28 year old Barry Monaghan.

Last Known Addresses:

• Gardiners Hill ,Balbriggan, Co. Dublin
• Also known to frequent Blanchardstown and England

Description:

• Height - 5’9 Approx.
• Hair - brown
• Stocky build
• Tattoo on his lower left arm
• Brown eyes

 Balbriggan Garda Station Investigating. Tel: 01-8020510

Gardaí at Virginia Garda station, are currently seeking the public’s assistance, in locating 47 year old Mohammad Khairul Abedin.

Last Known Addresses:

• Conquer Hill Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3
• Known to frequent Co. Cavan

Description:

• Sallow skin
• Height 5ft 9
• Brown eyes
• Dark hair but wears a wig a lot of the time.

Virginia Garda Station - Investigating. Tel: 049-8547002

Gardaí at Ballinasloe Garda Station, are currently seeking the public’s assistance, in locating 27 year old Patrick Sweeney.

Last Known Addresses:

• Earls Flats, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
• Other locations in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
• Known to frequent Ballindine and Hollymount, Co. Mayo

Description:

• Height - 6ft2” Approx.
• Hair - short black receding.
• Build - slim

Ballinasloe Garda Station Investigating. Tel: 090-9631890

Gardaí at the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau, are currently seeking the public’s assistance, in locating 67-year-old Richard Setchfield.

Last Known Addresses:

• St. Laurence’s Drive, Drogheda, Co. Louth
• Known to frequent Spain

Description:

• Height 5’10”
• Hair Colour: Grey
• Eye Colour: Blue
• Build: Stocky