30 June

Gardaí at Malahide Garda Station are investigating a burglary that occurred on a back road between Malahide and Portmarnock Co. Dublin on 26th February 2025.  On the date in question between 7pm and 7.30pm, the victim discovered the patio door onto a balcony had been forced open and a number of watches and a quantity of cash were subsequently discovered taken. 

Garda Appeal:

Anyone that may have been offered these watches for sale or recognise them or who may have any information about this crime, to contact them.

Gardaí at Malahide Garda Station are investigating a burglary that occurred 17th January 2025 at Park View, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin. On the date in question between 6pm and 8pm, the victim returned home and discovered the upstairs window had been forced and a number of items of Waterford Crystal had subsequently been discovered taken. 

Description of Waterford Crystal items:

Image 1: Waterford Crystal Inishmaan Diamond Cut Table Lamp. 18 Inch Tall

Image 2: Waterford Crystal Bowl Dublin Cut

Image 3: Waterford Crystal Statement Vase. 14 Inch

Image 4: Waterford Crystal Double Sea Horse Oval Bowl, (Very Rare)

Image 5: Waterford Crystal Vintage C1 Candelabra Candle holder X 2

Garda Appeal

• Anyone that may have been offered these Waterford Crystal items for sale or recognise them, to contact them?
• Did you notice a Volkswagon Scirocco / Golf type vehicle that may have been acting suspiciously, in the Portmarnock / Clontarf areas?
• Have you any information that may assist the investigation?

On this month’s Crimecall, Sergeant John Fitzpatrick was in studio and provided Crime Prevention information in relation to Purchasing event tickets & Safety while attending events over the summer.

With many high profile events coming up over the summer months, An Garda Síochána are advising the public to be vigilant and safe while attending events - plan your route to and from events, be respectful and follow instructions given by Stewards or Garda personnel on site.

An Garda Síochána would also like to remind people when purchasing event tickets to use official channels, such as the event website or an official ticketing agent. There were 3,315 incidents of fraud associated with the purchase of tickets for events reported between 1st January 2022 and 12st June 2025.Most notably 2023 had the highest reporting of such incidents - approximately 50% higher than 2024 and approximately 90% higher than 2022.

The Sale of Tickets (Cultural, Entertainment, Recreational and Sporting Events) Act 2021 amongst other regulatory requirements places certain obligations on ticket sellers to provide information and has made it illegal to sell tickets for certain events or venues for more than face value. Sellers of tickets may face criminal prosecution if breaching these requirements.

Purchasing Tickets for Events:

When purchasing tickets for events this summer, some useful tips are:

• It is best to purchase from official websites, such as the event website or official ticketing agent.
• Check the rules for reselling tickets of the event. Before you purchase the second hand ticket, check the official ticketing site and be aware of the rules around second hand tickets.
• Avoid unverified sources, second or third party resellers.
• Be wary of individuals selling tickets on social media, be cautious of new profiles with little or no activity advertising tickets for sale or unverified websites.
• Verify the ticket from the information provided. Remember e-tickets can be reprinted.
• If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is. Do not feel pressured into making a quick purchase you’re unsure about.
• Other red flags to look out for; urgent demands for payment, lack of information, requests for payment in online currency or transfer to a bank account outside the jurisdiction, seller only communicating via instant messaging apps.
• Always pay in a way that is traceable and/or refundable and ensure that any online payment systems are reputable and secure (Check for HTTPS. Look for the ‘lock’ symbol beside the website URL). In general, do not pay via a method you are not familiar with.
• Do not provide your bank/card details to an individual online.
• There is no guarantee that tickets bought from unauthorised sources will be valid and you may not find out until you arrive at the venue and unfortunately turned away.
• If you think you may be the victim of a scam or fraud or have given out your bank or card details you should contact your bank or card provider immediately and report to An Garda Síochána.

Personal Safety:

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
• Have your phone fully charged and consider use of a portable power bank
• Consider sharing your live location from your phone with a friend or family member
• Avoid walking alone in dark areas
• Never attempt to reason with intoxicated or aggressive people and be

Streetwise - get to know the locality and the surroundings, and mind your valuables.

It’s a good idea to input emergency contacts on your phone and activate the find my phone on your device. Keep a record of your IMEI number (Dial *#06# to get it). Screenshot the image of barcodes and email the image to yourself. This may help us return your device to you if it’s located or handed in.

Vehicle Safety:

If you plan on using your own vehicle to get to your events this summer, Park Smart some useful tips are:

• Park where there is CCTV, when possible.
• Park under streetlights or in a secure carpark.
• A visible steering wheel lock or chain can deter would be thieves.
• Leave expensive property at home or work, if not required.
• If you must leave valuables in a vehicle, do not leave them on show - A good idea is to leave an empty glove box open, showing would-be criminals that there is nothing for them to steal.
• Lock doors and fully close windows. Don’t be tempted to leave the windows slightly open.
• Fit an alarm and or an Immobiliser or use a physical lock.
• Install a tracker.
• Use a catalytic convertor lock.
• Fit theft-resistant number plate fittings.

Public Transport:

If you plan on using public transport to get to your events this summer, some helpful tips are:

• Plan your route in advance
• Wait in busy, well lit areas. Avoid isolated bus stops, especially when dark
• On an empty bus, sit near the driver
• On a train, sit in a compartment where others passengers are
• Move if you feel uncomfortable – use reporting tools available for non-urgent matters
• Report any incidents to staff / An Garda Síochána.

Gardaí at Kilmainham station are investigating an incident of Burglary, that occurred at a residence on Victoria Street, Dublin 8 at approximately 1.15pm on 12th March 2025.

On the date in question two male suspects entered a main residential building and then subsequently entered an apartment by causing damage to the door. They then left in the direction of the canal when asked to so.

Description of Suspect:

• Male with long ginger/brown beard
• Reddish face
• Dark Brown Hair with hood up
• Dublin Accent
• Black Northface jacket and black tracksuit bottoms
• Approximately 5ft 8 Inches
• Thin Build

Gardaí at Mallow Garda Station are investigating the disappearance of Patrick (Patsy) O’Sullivan.  Patsy had been working in Co. Kerry and had visited his family home at Lombardstown on the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, April 1992.  He was due to return home again for a Christening a few weeks later, but he failed to do so. Patsy, was 35 years old at the time, often went away to work for weeks at a time, in different locations, but he would always maintain contact with his family, and return periodically.

Description of Patrick O’Sullivan:

• Height - Approximately 5’10”
• Build - Slim
• Hair -Fair / Brown
• Eyes - Green
• Would now be 68 years of age

Garda Appeal:

• Patsy’s family and An Garda Síochána, are appealing to Patsy himself – even if just to make contact to let them know he is alright?
• Do you know where Patsy is now?
• Do you think you have met Patsy at any time over the interim, perhaps in another part of the world? Please make contact as you may have information that can assist this investigation.
• If you have worked with Patsy in Killarney, Waterville, Co. Kerry or anywhere else in the country during or since 1992, can you please make contact?

Gardaí at Kilmainham Station are appealing to the public for any information that would help locate 53-year-old James Aherne from the Dublin 8 area -  missing since the 31st of March last.

Last Known movements:

James was last seen leaving the apartment block where he lived on Grand Canal Place Dublin 8, in the early hours of March 31st at 1am (approx.).  Soon after he walked in the direction of Echlin Street and then onto Thomas Street, Dublin 8. It is unknown where James went from here, or if he availed of public transport to leave the area.

While extensive enquiries have been conducted as part of the Garda investigation, the search for James continues as his whereabouts are still unknown.

Description of James Aherne:

• Age - 53 years
• Hair - Brown
• Eyes -Brown
• Build - Average
• Last seen wearing: black trousers, black and white runners, a green and black jacket and was carrying a blue backpack.

Garda Appeal:

• Were you in the Grand Canal Place area, Dublin 8 on the 31st March 2025. Do you recall seeing James?
• Take a look at the photos of James. Have you seen him since the 31st March?
• James’s family and Gardaí are very concerned for his safety. We’re appealing for anyone who may have seen or being in contact with James to contact Gardaí?

Gardaí at Navan Garda Station are investigating the death of twenty-six year old Paul Gallagher who was fatally shot almost 11 years ago at a field at Ballymacan, Co. Meath on Monday the 28 July 2014. 

Sometime after 4pm, Paul and another man travelled towards Dundalk, Co. Louth on the M1 motorway. The other man was driving his red Volkswagen Golf car and Paul was a passenger. They travelled through the M1 Toll Bridge at Drogheda and may have exited the motorway at junction 14.

Paul met someone at the hard shoulder and they spoke for a short time. He got back into the car and they drove onto the M1 Southbound motorway. They were seen at the Applegreen services at Castlebellingham. They had no change for the toll bridge so they exited the M1 at Drogheda. Paul and the other man travelled down a number of country roads. They then travelled under the bridge at Oldbridge, towards Slane Co. Meath They came to a farmhouse at Ballymacan and spent some time there.

The two men returned to the car and travelled home.  They stopped at the Brink Service Station in Slane and travelled on a number of country roads back to Dublin, when Paul returned home.

At around 10.30pm that evening, Paul contacted the other man again and they returned to the farm at Ballymacan, possibly picking up two other males in Tullyallen Village on the way.  

Two days later, Paul’s remains were discovered in a field on farmland at Ballymacan- he had been fatally shot.

Garda Appeal

• Did you recall seeing Paul Gallagher who was accompanied by another man, earlier in the day on Monday the 28th July 2014 at Junction 14 on the hard shoulder of the M1 and / or in the general area?  You may not have been in a position to come forward previously, but may be able to do so now?
• Were you in the Tullyallen area of Drogheda and did you see any suspicious activity?
• Were you in the Ballymacan area on this night and did you see any suspicious activity?
• Were you the driver of a blue Subaru car that was in the area on the Monday night, 28th July 2014, or did anyone witness this vehicle in the vicinity on that night or at any other time in the days leading up to the 28th July 2014?
• Do you have any information in relation that may assist the investigation?
• We would like to assure anyone who felt they were unable to come forward previously, but now feel they can do so now, that they will be treated with sensitivity and compassion.

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.

During the January 2025 Crimecall programme, 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 over 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 over 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 over 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 the 25th year without her. It's never too late to do the right thing and give Sandra and her family what they deserve.

Roads Policing Message – A Review of the Fatal Road Traffic Collisions from January to June 2025

Over the past three years we have seen a rise in the number of fatalities on our roads which was a cause for concern. The highest number of fatalities for six years was recorded during 2023 at (182). Last year the number dropped slightly to (175), but this is still far too high.

This year to date (82) people have lost their lives on our roads, which is two less than this time last year. While a reduction in the total number is welcomed, it is still a very high number.

The breakdown of the numbers are as follows:

Road User Type/Age
Pedestrian
Driver
Passenger
Motorcyclist
Pillion Passenger
Pedal Cyclist
E-Scooter/E-Bike Driver/Passenger
Unknown/Other
Total

TOTAL	%
22	26.8
29	35.4
7	8.5
14	17.1
0	0.0
8	9.8
1	1.2
1	1.2
82

 

	FATALITIES COUNTY 2025
11%	Dublin	11	Cork	5	6%
1%	Kildare	1	Limerick	4	5%
3%	Carlow	2	Kerry	3	4%
3%	Meath	2	Clare	2	3%
4%	Westmeath	3	Tipperary	2	3%
4%	Waterford	3	Galway	9	11%
4%	Kilkenny	3	Roscommon	2	3%
0%	Wicklow		Mayo	8	10%
6%	Wexford	5	Longford		0%
3%	Laois	2	Donegal	7	9%
3%	Offaly	2	Louth	1	1%
		Cavan	1	1%
Monaghan	1	1%
	Sligo	1	1%
	Leitrim	1	1%
	TOTAL	82

 

Two statistics above that immediately jump off the page are the number of pedestrian’s and the number of motorcyclists killed. Both of these categories are considered vulnerable road users and they are disproportionately represented in the overall total at 25% & 18% respectively. When you think that motorcyclists only represent 1.5% of the total number of vehicles on our roads, 18% is a huge number.

The three counties with the highest number of deaths are Dublin (9), Galway (9) & Mayo (8).

We, as road users, need to heed the messages given by An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority because it will save lives.

Whether you are a driver, motorcyclist, pedal cyclist, e-scooter rider or pedestrian, you have a responsibility to yourself and others while using the roads to keep yourself and everyone around you safe.

Our message hasn’t changed, but some people are still not heeding it:

• Stay within the speed limit
• Be alert and observant at all times while using the roads
• Plan your journey
• Do not get distracted by anything, focus on the task of driving
• Do not hold your mobile phone while driving.
• Do not drive while intoxicated through drink or drugs
• Wear your seatbelt
• Motorcyclists wear a helmet and protective clothing
• Pedal cyclists / e-scooter users make sure you have a front & rear light, working bell and consider high visibility clothing & a helmet.

Driving is one of the most dangerous things we do on a regular basis. It is important that everyone using our roads network heeds the above advice and treats the task of driving/riding and each other with respect.

The Gardaí at Dunboyne Station are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 38-Year-old Bernard Joyce.

Description:

• Height- 5’7”
• Hair – Brown
• Beard and moustache
• Build - Medium

Details of Tattoo:

• Number 11 on left shoulder with puma head underneath.
• Celtic Cross on right should with BKC underneath.
• Also has tattoo on neck both sides.

Last known address:

• Currently NFA
• Previously Ripley Court Hotel, Talbot Street, Dublin 1

The Gardaí at Store Street Station are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 40-year-old Joseph McDonagh.

Description:

• Height - 5’11
• Build - Thin
• White
• Eyes - Blue
• Hair - Brown
• Brown beard with distinctive grey moustache area

Last Known address:

• Crinian Strand, Dublin 1
• Known to frequent other areas of Dublin including Dun Laoghaire and also Co. Kildare.

The Gardaí at Clontarf Station are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 19-year-old Patrick Lynch. 

Description:

• Height- 5’6’’
• Hair – Sandy / Brown
• Eyes - Green
• Build - Medium

Last known address:

• Corofin House, Clarehall, Dublin 17
• Known to frequent Coolock, Fairview and Swords areas of Dublin and also Maynooth, Co. Kildare

The Gardaí at Portlaoise Station are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 33-year-old Tony Cawley.

Description:

• Height- 5’7’’
• Hair – Brown
• Eyes - Brown
• Heavy set frame
• Facial hair

Last known address:

• Derrycloney, Mountmellick, Co, Laois
• May currently be residing in England or Spain