26 May

This month Crimecall went on location to Dublin airport where we spoke to Inspector Luke Lacey and his Garda colleagues, about policing one of Ireland’s busiest airports and the challenges that they encounter. One issue in recent years, is that of disruptive passenger behaviour, which has been on the increase worldwide. The Crimecall team interviewed staff from the retail and airline sector as well Gardaí based at Dublin airport – all of whom contributed by sharing their experiences of working at the airport.

Superintendent Darren McCarthy who has overall responsibility for the policing of the Airport came into studio when he explained how over the past year An Garda Síochána has been working with the Irish Aviation Authority, Dublin Airport Authority as well as national and international airlines to combat disruptive and dangerous behaviour. This collaboration has culminated in the formulation of the Joint Declaration on Unruly Passengers Behaviour in Airports and on Aircraft.

Superintendent Mc Carthy explained – “We treat offences the same as if they are committed anywhere else with the same penalties applying – be it a fine or imprisonment.  That is what we have seen” and we’re committed to ensuring that the airport is a safe place for passengers and staff alike”. 

He explained the consequences for someone who engages in this type of disruptive behaviour, citing that the key point is that the airport should be treated like any other public space. “If you wouldn’t do it on the street outside then it’s not appropriate inside the airport or indeed on an airplane.  It can be a frightening experience to witness one of these incidents, especially on board a plane at over 30,000 feet.” 

“It can mean delayed flights, missed connections or even a very negative experience of flying which endangers other passengers and airline crew. There is no excuse for anti-social or disruptive behaviour”.  

In terms of other offences committed inside the airport, Darren stated that all areas of the airport are monitored and extensively covered by CCTV. “Take for example thefts from the duty free area”. “We work closely with the airport retailers to prevent these incidents and to identify passengers who engage in theft”. “Therefore, it’s important for people to know that all incidents are fully investigated with a view to bringing a prosecution.” 

“Our priority is to keep passengers and staff safe, both on the ground and in the air”. “Passengers have a key role to play in this so what I’d say is to avoid excessive alcohol or drug use because it is a factor in almost all the disruptive incidents that we attend”.

“So keep things in moderation because if you commit an offence you will be arrested and charged/prosecuted? And of course, the airline involved can ban you from flying”. “Another consideration is that flights have been diverted because of this type of behaviour and you could find yourself landing in a foreign country where you’ll be arrested by local police and subject to their courts”. “Finally for any passengers who witness disruptive behaviour, avoid engaging with that person - Instead, approach staff for help – they are trained to deal with these situations and know how to request police assistance if necessary”. 

Gardaí at Trim are investigating an incident of Arson that occurred in the Effernock Estate, Trim, Co. Meath on Monday 29th July 2024. 

At approximately 9:15PM, two vehicles, a black VW Golf and a grey Skoda Octavia, travelled in convoy, joining the M50 southbound at the Finglas junction, continuing until the N4 exit, when both vehicles exited.  They then travelled through Kilcock and Summerhill before arriving at Trim. 

Gardaí believe that shortly after 10:10pm approximately both vehicles parked in Maudlin Vale estate, Trim, when two males spend approximately one hour standing outside talking.

Later at approximately 11:20pm, the Skoda travelled to the Effernock Estate in Trim.  A brick was thrown at the front window of the house, and an attempt was made to throw a red fuel can, which had been set alight, through the window.  Some of the flames took light inside the house and the red fuel can fell to the ground outside.

The suspect Skoda subsequently left the estate at speed.  A short time later, the car was set alight in Maudlin Vale estate.  The suspects then left the estate in the Golf, turning left onto the the Trim Ring Road and then left at the roundabout in the direction of the Summerhill Road.

It was later established that the Skoda Octavia vehicle had been taken during the course of a burglary in the Walkinstown area on 15th November 2023.  It had been fitted with cloned registration plates.

Vehicle Details:

Vehicle 1:

Grey Skoda Octavia

Registration no: 181-C-3094

Cloned registration no: 181-D-56003

Vehicle 2:

Black Volkswagon Golf

Registration 04-D-56228

Garda Appeal:

• Anyone who may have seen any suspicious persons or vehicles Maudlin Vale and Effernock Estates, Trim on the night of Monday 29/07/2025 between 10:10pm and 11:35pm.
• Do you have information regarding the movements of a grey Skoda Octavia registration number 181C3094 between 15/11/2023 and 29/07/2024? The car had been subject to an Unauthorised Taking in the early hours of 15/11/2023 in the Walkinstown area of Dublin.  This vehicle was fitted with cloned plates on the night, 181-D-56003.  Do you know where this vehicle may have been stored in that time, and/or any businesses who may have sold the 181-D-56003 number plates.
• An appeal for the movements and current whereabouts of a Black VW Golf, registration number 04D56228. This vehicle had been sold on 20/07/24 and the current owners failed to register it. The vehicle had a very distinctive roof rack with the poles of same secured to the left hand side of the vehicle.
• Have you seen these vehicles travelling in convoy on the night of 29/07/2024 southbound from the M50 at Finglas, through the M50 toll, westbound on the M4, through Kilcock town, on the R158 towards Summerhill village and or in Trim town itself?
• Have you seen or are you aware of a male requiring treatment for a burn injury to his hands since 29/07/2024? Perhaps you noticed these burns on someone you know or indeed, medical personnel who may recall treating a person with such injuries.

The Gardaí at Castleblaney Garda station are investigating an attempted hijacking of a car on Monday April 21st 2025 at Drumquill, Annyalla, Castleblaney, Co Monaghan. During the incident the victim’s car was forced off the road by a suspect Audi A4 with yellow plates.  There were three males in the suspect vehicle, two approached the victim while the driver stayed in the vehicle at all times.

One of the suspects spoke to the victim shouting ‘Keys, keys’. The victim was pinned to the ground by the suspects.  The victim refused to hand over his keys and succeeded in freeing himself and manoeuvring under his own vehicle. The suspects then fled due to oncoming headlights of an approaching vehicle, which didn’t arrive to the scene. 

The victim was injured with a sharp implement – possibly a knife and sustained minor facial injuries.

Suspects description:

Aged in their 20’s

Black

One male was tall and the other smaller in height.

The Gardaí at Balbriggan are investigating incidents of burglary in the early hours of Tuesday May 6th, following the May 5th bank holiday - just three weeks ago – between 2.30am and 4am.

The suspects first arrive to Oldtown in a black Audi Q3 where they reverse to the rear of the warehouse, and gained entry.  After they entered the building one of the suspects is seen appear at a door and looked out towards the car park. While nothing was taken, damage was caused to the property.

The suspects then left, turned right and drove north on the R130 arriving into Garristown where they drive to a café and pub. Here the three suspects enter the café and in turn gain entry to the pub through an adjacent door. During the course of the incident the safe’s contents were removed from the pub, containing cash and a Rolex watch.

The suspects then returned to the Audi, registration number 131C9160, and leave Garristown heading north along the Main Street towards the N2. This car was taken during a burglary incident five days earlier on April 30th in the Ballinteer area of South Dublin.

Within the past week Gardaí have recovered the suspect car, the Audi Q3, in the Riversdale Grove estate in Palmerstown, West Dublin where it had been parked up for a number of days.  

Description of suspects:

Suspect 1:

• Stockier in build
• Hat, and scarf over face
• Bubble jacket with a hood, Logo on left hand side chest of jacket and on back of jacket
• Tracksuit bottoms with light markings around knee on both sides
• Two toned runners.

Suspect 2:

• Stockier in build
• Wearing a hood from jumper over head and hooded jacket over jumper
• Wearing a scarf over face
• Jacket - mark on the left hand side of chest
• Tracksuit bottoms - line on the left thigh
• Shoes - two toned with one tone being lighter.

Suspect 3:

• Slight in build
• Wearing a baseball cap
• Tracksuit bottoms - draw string can be clearly seen on his tracksuit bottoms along with a logo on the top of the left leg.

Garda Appeal:

• Do you know the identity of the three suspects?
• Sighting or Movements of the Audi Q3 131C9160 since it was taken during the course of a Burglary incident on April 30th until it was recovered at Ravensdale Grove, Palmerstown, Dublin 10 om May 20th?
• Have you seen or have you been offered the Rolex watch?
• Did you travel along the R130 between Oldtown and Garristown between 2.30am to 4.00am? Did you see the Audi Q3 131C9160 or any other vehicle? Do you have dashcam footage from this time?

1. Robbery Investigation - Cork Road, Co. Waterford

The Gardaí at Waterford are investigating two robbery incidents which occurred on the following dates.

• Wednesday 12th March 2025, at approximately 9.15pm.
• Thursday 10th April 2025, at approximately 9.15pm

A male suspect approached the shop on foot. In both incidents he carried a knife and a plastic bag which he used to fill with money from the till.

Suspect Description:

• Male
• Height 5’7/5’8

Clothing

Incident 1

• Black jumper with white logo
• Dark grey tracksuit bottoms

Incident 2

• Black jumper turned inside out
• Grey tracksuit bottoms
• Face covering with white logo

2. Robbery Investigation - Dorset Street, Dublin 1

The Gardaí at Fitzgibbon Street are investigating a robbery incident that occurred on Saturday 26th April 2025 at approximately 9.45pm. A male suspect entered the shop, when he brought the shop assistant behind the till and emptied its contents before leaving.

Suspect description:

• Male
• Age approx. 50’s
• Long grey hair
• Clean shaven
• Small circular ear ring in right ear

Clothing

• Wearing all black
• Black McKenzie backpack
• Glasses

3. Theft/Deception Investigation – Baldoyle, Dublin 13/Henry Street, Dublin 1

The Gardaí at Howth are investigating a theft/deception incident that occurred on Monday 18th November 2024, at 6.45pm. The female suspect was seen using the victim’s credit card to buy multiple items from a shop in Dublin City Centre.

Suspect Description:

• female
• Tall in height
• Age Late 20’s early 30’s
• Dark hair

Clothing

• Black hoodie

4. Theft from shop Investigation - Abbeyfeale Co. Limerick

The Gardaí at Abbeyfeale are investigating a theft incidents that occurred on

• Monday 26th August 2024 at approximately 7.00pm.
• Sunday 8th February 2025 at approximately 5.05pm.

The female suspect in the first incident went into a shop and could be seen switching the barcodes on items to a cheaper price. In the second incident the suspect could be seen walking around the shop and placing items in her bag before leaving with making no attempt to pay.

Suspect description:

• Female
• Age approx. 20’s
• Brown hair

Clothing

Incident 1

• Brown coat
• All black clothing
• White runners

Incident 2

• Bright orange top
• Pink shorts

5. Assault Investigation - Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

The Gardaí at Letterkenny are investigating an assault incident that occurred on Main Street in the town. The male suspect punched two victims after a night out causing injuries to both men.

Suspect Description:

• Male
• Bald

Clothing

• Cream jacket
• White t-shirt
• Jeans
• Shoes

6. Theft from shop home Investigation - Saint Patrick Street, Co. Cork

The Gardaí at Anglesea Street are investigating a theft incident that occurred on Friday 4th October 2024 at approximately 3.45pm. Two male suspects entered a shop, walked around and placed items of clothing in bags they were carrying. Both men then left making no attempt to pay.

Suspect Description:

Suspect 1

• Male
• Height - tall
• Age approx. 28yrs to 35yrs
• Heavy build
• Bald/Shaven head
• Beard

Clothing

• White shirt with stripes
• White trousers
• Black shoes
• White headphones

Suspect 2

• Male
• Height - tall
• Age approx. 28yrs to 35yrs
• Heavy build
• Short dark hair
• Beard

Clothing

• Blue shirt with stripes
• Light coloured trousers
• White runners

7. Burglary Investigation - Killimor, Co. Galway

Gardaí at Loughrea are investigating a burglary that occurred in the Killimor area of County Galway February 13th 2025. The suspect car a White Volkswagen Golf passed the house a couple of times. Then just before 5.50pm a tall slim male walks on foot into the front of the property, while on his mobile phone.  This male suspect walked around the property and went to the rear while on the phone, where he looks in the windows and rear door.

Suspect Description:

Suspect 1

• Male
• Age -30’s

Clothing

• Black or navy parka type jacket with a white fur hood
• Blue hoodie
• Red gloves
• Navy jeans
• Baseball cap
• Black and white runners

Suspect 2

• Male

Clothing

• Black tracksuit bottoms
• Navy jacket
• Black hat
• Black and white runners
• Carried a hammer in hand
• Red gloves
• Black and white - North Face puffer type jacket
• Navy Nike runners.

8. Theft Investigation - Castlebar, Co. Mayo

The Gardaí at Castlebar are investigating a theft incident which occurred on Friday 4th April 2025, at approximately 10.10am. A female suspect entered a shop and could be seen picking up multiple items. She held the items for some time before placing them in her bag and leaving making no attempt to pay.

Suspect Description:

• Female
• Height 5’6
• Approx. mid 40’s
• Short dark hair
• Slim build

Clothing:

• Tan coloured coat
• Blue scarf
• Black leggings
• Grey shoes
• Sunglasses
• Black tote bag

9. Theft from person Investigation – Colbert Station, Co. Limerick

The Gardaí at Roxboro road are investigating a theft incident that occurred on Friday 17th January 2025, at 4.15pm. A male suspect approached the victim and stood beside them. After a few moments he could be seen taking the victims backpack, before leaving exiting the station.

Suspect Description:

• Male

Clothing

• Grey jacket
• Black and white tracksuit bottoms
• Nike runners
• White carrier bag with brown logo

10. Fraud/Deception Investigation - Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim

The Gardaí at Carrick on Shannon are investigating a fraud/deception incident that occurred on Friday 18th October 2024, just before 5.45pm. Two female suspects entered the shop, when next they are seen using a credit card belonging to the victim.

Suspect Description:

Suspect 1

• Female

Clothing

• Black jacket with hood up
• Black beanie
• Black jeans
• White runners with black stripes
• Umbrella

Suspect 2

• Female
• Dark hair with highlights
• Slim build

Clothing

• Green jacket
• Scarf
• Blue jeans
• White runners
• Louis Vuitton bag

On this month’s Crimecall, Sergeant John Fitzpatrick was in studio and provided Crime Prevention information in relation to Campus Watch.

The Garda Campus Watch Programme is part of the Garda Watch Programmes.  It operates and functions similar to other Garda Watch programmes such as Neighbourhood Watch & Community Alert.  The Garda Campus Watch Programme was established in the late 1990s with the aim to work in collaboration with third level institutions to promote secure learning environments.

Campus Watch works on the following basis:

• Gardaí engage/interact with students and staff, creating awareness in relation to safety and security issues.
• Students and staff are encouraged to look out for each other in relation to their safety and security and to report suspicious activities to the Gardaí.

In November 2024 a new online Garda Campus Watch Student Safety and Security Booklet was launched by the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau. This online digital resource is available free to download here from the Garda website and is designed at enhancing the safety and security of third-level students across Ireland. The booklet is specifically tailored towards third-level students, providing them with practical and up-to-date evidence-based information to help them navigate safety challenges and make informed decisions. The new Garda Campus Watch Booklet now includes sections which covers road safety with e-bikes and e-scooters, online crimes such as phishing and romance fraud, while it also provides updates on accommodation fraud and money laundering.

Personal Safety

As a new student, get to know the geography of your campus as soon as you can. Find out about public transport timetables, where you can park vehicles or bikes securely, campus security buildings and the local Garda Station.

College life should be about experiencing new things but remember when you are going out to PLAN and be Streetwise:

• Plan your 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,
• 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. Ensure it is charged before going out and keep a record of your IMEI number (Dial *#06# to get it). This will help us return your device to you if it’s located or handed in.

Accommodation Security / Personal Items

The very nature of a campus, where unfamiliar faces are common and accepted, lends itself to the work of the criminal who can blend in quite easily on campus and halls of residence. It is not unusual to see people carrying backpacks and other items without raising suspicion.

For students on tight budgets, expensive items are difficult to replace. It is highly advisable to spend a short time considering how effective measures can be taken to reduce the possibility of theft. The good news is that there are a number of actions you can take to reduce the chance of becoming a victim of crime.

Some tips to help secure your residence are:

• Ensure that all windows and doors are locked at all times. Remember to lock up and light up.
• Never give your keys to anyone else or leave them where others could access them.
• Always lock external doors – The main entrance is the fi­rst line of defence to your property.
• Close your curtains after dark and open them during the day. This provides an obvious sign that the property is not vacant.
• Act on suspicions you have, don’t dwell on them. Let the professional’s share your suspicions – Never reveal you are alone and contact Gardaí.
• Inform a trusted neighbour or friend if you are going away.
• Before you admit any callers to your accommodation, ensure you are satisfi­ed with their identity. Don’t be afraid to check the ID of unfamiliar people.
• Don’t let strangers in, or hold doors open for strangers who are arriving as you are leaving. Use the door chain on your room door. Remember – Other people live in the building too!
• You do not have to challenge people aggressively. You can approach someone and ask if they are lost or need help if you are unsure. Perhaps enlist the help of a fellow student before making any approach.
• If you think someone is behaving suspiciously, or trying to gain unauthorised access to accommodation, contact the Gardaí / Campus Security Personnel. Likewise, if you receive any strange, threatening, or abusive phone calls to your accommodation, report them to the Gardaí / Campus Security Personnel. 

Accommodation Frauds

Gardaí are advising people to be wary of rental scams, particularly during the summer months when students seek accommodation following the acceptance of college offers.

There are four main types (but this keeps evolving)

• Offering accommodation that doesn’t exist through social media.
• Offering accommodation that they are not entitled to offer.
• Taking deposits from more than one person.
• Cloned sites / totally bogus sites.

Figures

• There has been over 1100 incidents of Accommodation Fraud, from 2022 to 2025 YTD.
• The average estimated amount of cash stolen between 2022 to 2025 YTD was €1,566.81, with the median being €1,294.
• Approximately 40% of injured parties in 2024 was 25 and under.
• Between 2022 to 2025 YTD, individuals aged 25 and under were the higher proportion of injured parties.

Accommodation Fraud – Advice for Public & Red Flags

• Only use recognised letting agencies or deal with people who are bona fide and trusted i.e. the College or Student Unions.
• Check is the property advertised on other sites.
• Be wary of cloned websites – Ensure the site is real – check the URL, look for the trusted seals – check the privacy policy, refunds policy section, contact sections, even for spelling errors, check the websites policy on refunds.
• Ask for the exact address and verify the existence of the property. Check Google Maps to see that the property is the same as advertised. Reverse image search any posted images to see if they appear elsewhere on the internet (TinEye).
• Research rental prices in the area If you have decided to take up the offer, only use trusted money transfer systems - Do not make payment that is requested by cash, cryptocurrency, money via a non-bank transfer, e.g. a wire transfer, gift cards – pay in a way that is traceable and / or refundable, e.g. a credit card.
• Never give personal, financial or security information to someone unknown to you.
• Never agree to rent a property without having the opportunity to view it. Ideally, meet with the landlord for a tour of the accommodation. If this is not possible for some reason (this reason should be on your part, the landlord has no excuse), ask as many verifiable questions as possible such as: What bus routes are nearby? What local facilities are there (supermarkets etc)?
• Insist upon a proper receipt and lease.
• Ensure that the keys work and you have proper contact details for the landlord/agent.
• Be wary if the listing contains grammar or spelling mistakes and is on social media.
• Be wary if communication is only via WhatsApp or social media.
• Be wary if the landlord says they are unavailable and/or away and can’t meet you to show you the accommodation.
• Be wary if the property is offered with no questions asked.
• Be wary if the account to pay into is in a different country.
• Report any accommodation fraud to yourlocal Garda Station.
• Remember, if it’s too good to be true it generally is

Gardaí at Drogheda Garda Station together with Anthony Hanlon’s family appealed to the public to help trace and locate thirty-nine-year-old Anthony Hanlon, who was last seen on Sunday 1st December 2024.

Anthony was last seen in the North Strand area in Drogheda on the Sunday 1st December shortly at approximately 2:35pm.  It is also possible that he was in the O’Connell Street / Abbey Street, Dublin city centre on the 3rd December.

Anthony lives in Drogheda, but frequently travels to the Dublin 1 and Ardee areas.  He was originally from Ferrymans Crossing area of Dublin 1 and had previously lived in Ardee He was well known and well liked in all those areas.

Description of Anthony:

• Height - 5 feet 7 inches
• Slim build
• Bald
• Blue eyes
• Scar across his forehead from an accident when he was 11 years.

Clothing: 

• Grey beanie hat
• Dark cord jacket
• Distinctive white fur around the collar
• Dark tracksuit bottoms and black runners
• Green and blue tartan lumberjack shirt under the jacket

Garda Appeal:

• Extensive enquiries, a canvass of the area as well as significant amount of searches, all of which have failed to yield any information as to the current whereabouts of Anthony Hanlon.
• Have you any information that can assist with the investigation and help find Anthony?
• Christmas was approaching, and although there is a passage of time, we are appealing to business people and shoppers that were in Drogheda, Ardee and Dublin 1, that may recall seeing Anthony, especially his friends and associates.
• Do you think you may have seen or spoken to Anthony? If so, did he mention any travel plans?
• Can you take a look at the photo and description of Anthony and report any possible sightings?

Modifying your car can enhance its performance, aesthetics, or functionality. However, in the Republic of Ireland, such modifications are subject to regulations to ensure road safety and compliance with legal standards. If you are considering modifying your car for aesthetic or performance reasons, it is important that you do so legally to avoid prosecution. It is your responsibility to ensure any modifications you do make, comply with the appropriate safety standards and Road Traffic Legislation. 

WHAT ISA VEHICLE MODIFICATION?

A newly manufactured vehicle must meet strict safety standards before it can be placed on the market. Modifying that vehicle can affect its original strength or operation and therefore safety. We do not recommend modifying vehicles, however in some cases adaptations are unavoidable e.g., for disabled use or access. It is important to remember that under Irish road traffic regulations, it is the responsibility of the owner and/or driver to ensure that their vehicle is maintained in a roadworthy condition at all times when used in a public place. Therefore, any modification which negatively affects that roadworthiness can result in prosecution.

WHAT IS A VEHICLE CONVERSION?

A vehicle conversion refers to a distinct type of post registration physical modification that results in a change of the vehicle’s category e.g., passenger car to van. A conversion can also result from other changes to a vehicle that will also affect the registration details of a vehicle e.g., a change in the number of seating positions. Vehicle conversions require a declaration of conversion to be provided to the Revenue Commissioners.

If you modify or convert your vehicle, you may need to get a vehicle modification certificate, which is provided by a Suitably Qualified Individual or SQI with the expertise necessary to inspect your vehicle and provide such a certificate. Before undertaking such modifications, you must be aware that you may need also, to contact the Motor Tax Office to update your Vehicle Registration Certificate and/or contact the revenue Commissioners for any VRT payments.

Legal Modifications:

While there is no outright ban on vehicle modifications in Ireland, any changes must adhere to safety standards and not compromise the vehicle's roadworthiness. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) emphasizes that modifications should be carried out to an appropriate safety standard.

Common legal modifications include:

Cosmetic Enhancements: Adding spoilers, body kits, or changing the vehicle's colour is generally permissible. However, significant alterations may require notification to the Department of Transport.

Lighting Upgrades: Installing LED or HID lights is allowed, provided they comply with European type approval regulations (EU) 2018/858 & the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963. Basically, they cannot be too bright as to dazzle other road users.

Suspension Adjustments: Lowering or raising the suspension is acceptable if it doesn't adversely affect the vehicle's handling or safety. It would be recommended to employ an SQI to examine the vehicle after. 

Engine Modifications: Upgrading the engine or its components is legal, but such changes must not compromise emissions standards or safety. It is also necessary to contact the Department of Transport to verify if you need to update your vehicle registration certificate. You must also contact the Revenue Commissioners.

Interior Changes: Modifying the interior, such as installing new seats or infotainment systems, is allowed as long as it doesn't interfere with safety features. 

It's crucial to ensure that all modifications are performed by qualified professionals and that the vehicle remains compliant with the National Car Test (NCT) standards. 

Modifications that maybe illegal or restricted:

Certain modifications can render a vehicle illegal or unsafe:

Excessive Window Tinting: This is the most common modification we see on our roads. While tinting is not illegal, the front windscreen & the front driver & passenger side windows must allow 65% of light through. Anything less than that and you face a Fixed Charge Notice of €80 and two penalty points or a court summons.

Loud Exhaust Systems: Modifying the exhaust to produce excessive noise is a breach of Section 29 of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment & Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 and can lead to penalties. EU regulations state that an exhaust from relevant vehicles cannot emit a noise of louder than 72dB. The exhaust system must be maintained in good working order.

Illegal Lighting: Installing lights that emit non-white/yellow light at the front or non-red light at the rear is prohibited. 

Unsafe Structural Changes: Modifications that alter the vehicle's structural integrity, such as removing seats or adding axles, require approval and may be subject to inspection from an SQI. 

Frontal Protection Systems (Bull Bars): Retrofitting bull bars must comply with European type-approval regulations & the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment & Use of Vehicles) Regulations to ensure pedestrian safety.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in vehicle seizure, court summons, and penalties. 

Responsibilities of vehicle owners:

As a vehicle owner, you're responsible for:

Ensuring Roadworthiness: Your vehicle must remain in a safe and roadworthy condition at all times.

Notifying Authorities: Significant modifications should be reported to the Department of Transport, especially if they affect the vehicle's registration details

Insurance Disclosure: Inform your insurance provider of any modifications, as undisclosed changes can invalidate your policy.

Before undertaking any modifications, consult with automotive professionals or the RSA to ensure compliance with all legal and safety requirements. Proper documentation and adherence to standards will help avoid legal issues and ensure your vehicle remains safe on the road. 

For more detailed information, visit the RSA's official page on vehicle modifications.

The Gardaí at Store Street are currently seeking the public’s assistance in locating 36 year old Efiota Bassey.

Last Known address:

• Gardiner Street Lower, Dublin 1 is his last known address.
• He is known to frequent the North and South city centre.
• He also has links to Swords, Tallaght and the Kilcock area in Kildare.

Description:

• 6’0 in Height
• Slim build
• Black male originally from Nigeria
• Brown eyes
• Black slightly greying beard
• Black hair