28 September

Gardaí at Portlaoise Garda Station are investigating a burglary that occurred on the Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. 

On the morning of the 1st August 2026 some time between midnight and 6am, the suspects entered a compound which they accessed via a golf club on the Abbeyleix Road.  They made their way to a shed on site, interfered with the locks, and entered the premises. 

Property Taken

• (12) Earthing sets and rods
• (12) meters of copper cable on each

 

 The total value of the copper on the sets is approximately €5,000.

Gardaí Appeal:

• Were you in the Abbeyleix Road area between midnight and 6am on 1st August 2026?
• Did you notice any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in the area?
• If you have any information about the earthing sets or copper that were removed, please contact Gardaí.

The Gardaí at Mallow Garda Station are investigating a Burglary incident that occurred during the early hours of 2nd June 2025.  Shortly before 1:25am at least (3) suspects arrived at the Old Mill Yard, at Quatertown approximately 2km outside Mallow, Co. Cork.

At least (3) suspects entered the yard and removed a White Peugeot Boxer Tipper Pickup and a JCB telehandler. The suspects then drove the two vehicles along the R619 to a nearby supermarket located at Bellvue, Mallow. The van drove a head of the telehandler and arrived a minute or two before it at the supermarket.

Two suspects wearing dark clothing and face coverings got out from the van and waited for the JCB to arrive shortly before 1.30am.  The two then emerged from the van with one of them directing the driver of the telehandler at which point it was driven towards the entrance of the premises to where there is a porch area containing an ATM, causing the doors and wall to fall.

The ATM is emptied every night, and the staff had left the door of the ATM open so it was clear there was no cash drawer inside. Once the suspects realised this they decided to leave the area and returned to the yard at Quartertown where they returned the van they had taken earlier. It is unclear how they travelled away from the area or what mode of transport was used.

 

Suspect Descriptions:

Suspect 1

• Slim Build
• Driver Seat of Pick Up at scene
• Dark Colored shoes with white soles, dark pants with white stripe down the side

 

Suspect 2 

• Heavy strong build, ( slower moving than the other two individuals )
• Got out of passenger side of Van

 

Suspect 3

• Dark shoes with white soles
• Slim Build

 

Suspect Vehicles:

• JCB Telehandler
• White Peugeot Boxer Tipper Pickup

Garda Appeal:

• Were you in the vicinity of Quartertown during the early hours of June 2 (circa 1am to 2am)?
• Did you see the suspects enter the Old Mill Yard and remove the vehicles?
• Did you travel between Mallow town and Quartertown and did see the suspects?
• Where you in the Bellvue area and did you see a male walking in the area at the time?
• Do you think you may know the identity of the suspects?
• Have you any other information that may assist the investigation?
• While a number of motorists who were in the area have spoken with Gardai we believe there are a number of other motorists who have yet to come forward as witnesses

1. Assault Causing Harm Investigation – Ennis, Co. Clare

The Gardaí at Ennis are investigating an assault incident that occurred on Sunday 15th February 2026 at approximately 2.30am. Two male suspects spoke with the two victims initially before the first male suspect punched one of the victims, knocking him to the gound.  The two suspects then stood over and kicked him while he is on the ground.  The second victim was also punched by the two men.  The two male suspects then turned and headed down Parnell Street, down Chapel Lane, towards Market Square.  One of the victims was left with a fractured skull, severe neck pain and loss of hearing in his right ear.

Suspect Description:

Suspect 1:

• Male
• Early 20’s
• Approximately 5ft6 or 5ft 7 inches tall
• Red top with black writing on the front
• Black ripped jeans
• White runners

Suspect 2

• Approximately 5ft8 or 5ft 9 inches tall
• Early 20’s
• Short brown hair
• Black t-shirt with design on the back
• Black jeans
• Black runners

2. Burglary investigation – Soloheadbeg, Co. Tipperary

The Gardaí at Tipperary Town are investigating a burglary incident that occurred on Tuesday 12th May 2026 at approximately 14:05pm.  

The male suspect is dropped by a silver car, possibly a Kia model, near the gate of the house.  The male made his way up the drive.  He attempted to gain access to the front door but was unsuccessful.  He made his way around the back of the premises and gained entry to the premises by breaking a window.  He left through the window and is believed he to have beenis picked up by the same silver car.  The car then drove in the direction of Coffey’s Forge before turning towards either Dundrum Village or Tipperary Town.

Suspect Description:

• Male
• Age 40-50
• Slim build
• Grey tracksuit bottoms
• Black jacket
• Nay hat with white and green stripes
• Green or navy gloves

Vehicle Details:

Possibly a silver Kia vehicle

3. Sexual Offences – Tolka Valley Park and Phoenix Park, Dublin

The Gardaí at Cabra are investigating a sexual offences incident that occurred on 31st March 2026.  The male suspect travelled from Tolka Valley Park to the Phoenix Park, via Rathborne village, on an electric bike, where he was observed by a member of the public, exposing himself.

Suspect Description:

• Male
• Tall
• Dark beard
• Dark, full head of hair

Clothing:

• Wide leg blue jeans
• Mustard top
• Black bomber jacket
• Carried a rucksack on his back
• Headphones on his head

 

4. Deception incident – Macroom, Co. Cork

The Gardaí at Macroom are investigating a deception incident that occurred on Thursday 14th August 2025.  The male suspect agreed to buy a mobile phone from the victim.  On meeting her, he gave her an envelope with cash, in exchange for the phone.  When the victim looked through the envelope, she realised that there is counterfeit money in the envelope.  The male ran off and is picked up by a red Ford Focus, with partial registration 201DL, and they drive off.

Suspect Description:

• Male
• Age: 20’s
• Stocky build
• Blue shorts and top

5. Burglary Investigation - Popes Quay, Cork City

The Gardaí at Watercourse Road are investigating a Burglary incident that occurred on 25 February 2026 at 7.15pm at Popes Quay in the City. The suspect entered a tanning salon walked behind the till and removed the contents of the cash till drawer.

Contents of drawer- Cash to the value of €1000 and a prepay salon card.

Suspect’s Description

• Male

Clothing

• Wearing a balaclava,
• black beanie hat,
• Black Helly Hansen Jacket,
• Navy tracksuit pants
• Black Adidas runners,
• Wore a gold college ring,

6. Robbery – Temple Bar, Dublin 2

The Gardaí at Pearse Street are investigating a robbery incident that occurred on 15th February 2024 at approximately 00:20. During the incident, the victim’s phone was taken from his pocket and handed over to the male suspect who threw the phone on the ground, breaking it.

Suspect Description:

• Male
• Brown hair
• Stocky build
• Green jumper with black Gillet over it
• Grey tracksuit bottoms

7. Sexual Assault Investigation – Waterford City

The Gardaí at Waterford are investigating a sexual assault incident that occurred on Wednesday 16th October 2024, at approximately 11:20am. A male suspect entered the number 360 bus from Waterford towards Tramore.  He sat down beside a female passenger where the incident occurred.

Suspect Description:

• Male
• Approximately 29 years old
• Height: 5’6” / 5’7”
• Slim build
• Dark eyes

Clothing

• Light blue jeans
• Bown runners
• Dark back-pack

8. Criminal Damage - Kilkenny

The Gardaí at Kilkenny are investigating an incident that occurred on Saturday 7th March 2026 shortly after midnight. The male suspect entered a gateway onto the victim’s premises and proceeded to cause criminal damage to the property.

Suspect Description:

• Age: 40’s / 50’s
• Medium Build
• Medium Height

Clothing

• Nike Zip up Top
• Black beanie hat
• Wearing glasses

9. Theft Investigation – Monaghan Town

The Gardaí at Monaghan are investigating a theft incident that occurred on Tuesday 12th May 2026 at approximately 9:15am. A male suspect went to the alcohol section in a supermarket and selected several bottles from the shelves and placed them in his trolley.  He proceeded to remove the security tags from the bottles and discarded them around the store.  He then returned to the alcohol aisle for a second time again removing the security tags off the bottles, discarding them and placing the bottles into his bag.  He left the store passing all points of payment without paying for any of the bottles.  Total value of items taken was over €400.

Suspect Description:

• Dark coloured hair
• Short beard

Clothing

• Black hoodie
• Grey body warmer
• Black trousers

10. Assault Causing Harm investigation – Kilkenny

The Gardaí at Kilkenny are investigating an assault causing harm incident that occurred on Sunday 18 May 2025 at approximately 1:20am.  A group of people gathered outside a shop, exchanging words.  After some pushing and shoving between the parties, the suspect punched the victim, knocking him unconscious.

Suspect Description:

• Male
• Age: 20’s
• Dark brown hair

Clothing

• Dark t-shirt
• Blue jeans
• Black runners

11. Deception investigation – Ballymount Drive, Dublin 12

The Gardaí at Crumlin station are investigating a deception incident that occurred on Monday 27th January 2026 at approximately 8:30pm.  After arranging to buy a motorbike from the victim, the male suspect arrived with two friends to collect the bike.  He showed the victim a screenshot and appeared to confirm he had transferred money from his bank account.  The suspect then wheeled the bike out and left with it.  The money was never received by the victim.  The screen shot of the bank transfer is believed not to have been genuine.

Suspect Description:

• Male
• Age: 20’s

Clothing:

• Grey and black puffer jacket
• Grey wool hat
• Black bottoms
• Black and grey runners
• Black and yellow helmet

12. Theft from Shop – Kilkenny City

On Thursday 7th May 2026, a male suspect entered the supermarket, with a shopping trolley.  He put a number of items into the trolley including beauty products. He then placed more items into the trolley and some of these are then transferred to his bag.  The male then left some items on a shelf, abandoned the trolley and then left the shop without paying for the goods in the bag.

Suspect Description:

• Age: 50’s
• Stock build

Clothing

• Dark Red Bull top
• Dark ¾ length trousers
• Green baseball hat

13. Assault Causing Harm Investigation - Alfred Street, Cork

 

The Gardaí at Anglesea street station are investigating an Assault Causing Harm incident on 19 August 2025 at 11.45 pm (approx.). The suspect approached the victim and struck him with a glass bottle in the face and then kicked and punched him while he was on the ground.

Victim’s Injuries

The victim received injures which included a 3-4cm cut above left eye, a burst lip, heavy facial bleeding, and a fractured nose.

Suspect’s Description

• Male
• 5’9”
• Thin build.

Clothing

• Navy jacket
• White and grey trim
• Green T shirt
• Black or dark bottoms and runners

On this month’s Crimecall, Crime Prevention Officer, Sergeant John Fitzpatrick provided information in relation to Burglary advice, “Lock Up - Light Up” and explained ‘Operation Thor’ the anti-burglary and anti-property crime strategy campaign. 

Since 2015, Operation Thor has resulted in a substantial reduction in burglaries, actively targets organised crime groups and repeat offenders through coordinated crime prevention and enforcement, based on intelligence and the latest burglary trends. Operation Thor activity is undertaken by specialist Garda Units using a blend of Detectives and Uniformed Gardaí across the country. An Garda Síochána cooperate with our European partners on addressing burglary, especially those committed by Organised Crime Groups, through various EMPACT and Europol initiatives

We now enter the Winter Phase of Operation Thor, launching on the 1st of October 2026, with Garda divisions conducting checkpoints / patrols in burglary hot-spots and the motorway network. Gardaí will promote property crime prevention awareness through various local forums including Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert. 

There were over 7900 reported Burglaries in 2025 (Jan – Dec), to date 2026 (Jan – Aug) there have been more than 5700 reported incidents.

Front and Rear door access account for nearly 40% of reported burglary entrances. Unsecured doors and windows account for nearly 30% of entry points of incidents.

Cash and jewellery account for over 50% of items reported stolen in residential properties. Objects stolen in burglary incidents tend to be small in size but relatively high in value.

Between the hours of 4pm and 10pm in the evening are the most common hours for the incidents to occur, with Friday and Saturday being the most common days for incidents to occur. 

‘‘Lock Up Light Up’ is An Garda Síochána's anti-burglary awareness campaign, encouraging homeowners to protect their homes over the coming winter months. Winter burglaries can regularly involve a premises that was unsecured.

Simple steps can help protect your home, so whether you are at home or going out remember:

• Use an alarm, even when at home, most modern alarms have a part set function – get it serviced and ensure battery pack is working.

• Turn on some lights, LED bulbs are more energy efficient than traditional bulbs.
• Use timer switches / motion detectors / smart bulbs (turn on lights via phone or set timer settings)
• Use motion detection / sensor lights outside, make sure the light emanating covers the door and not just the area near the door.
• Make sure exterior lighting is appropriate, that it does not interfere with CCTV or smart doorbell imaging.
• Lock all doors and windows, set alarm and ensure your vehicle is locked, as part of your “Lock up Light up” regular routine before going to bed.
• Store keys away from view of windows and doors.
• Do not hide keys under rocks or flowerpots.
• Don’t keep large amounts of cash or jewellery in the house.

In taking these simple steps it can help reduce the likelihood of a burglary occurring as it will “target harden” your home deterring burglars and protect homes.

Analysis shows that a large number of all burglaries are through the front doors - with most burglars using their own body to gain entry. Other key findings include:

• Jewellery and cash remain as a commonly stolen object.
• Of the total value of objects stolen for the period reviewed over 75% relate to Jewellery/Accessories and Cash/Cheques.
• The practice of ‘fishing’, where car keys are fished through a letterbox by burglars is also a problem.

Homeowners are encouraged to keep an inventory of their property, the Garda Property App is an ideal way of recording the unique information and photographs of your property, for example, bicycles, jewellery, electronics, farm machinery and trailers. This vital information when reported, may assist An Garda Síochána re-unite people with property that is lost or stolen. Further information on the Garda Property App is available on the Garda website.

The Gardaí at the Abbeyleix and Portlaoise Stations, are investigating a number of deception incidents that occurred in in Carlow, Kilcullen, Gorey and Athlone between 27th September and  4th October 2025/

In both the Abbeyleix and Portlaoise incidents, both victims reported transactions that had occurred on their accounts without their permission.  After viewing both victims statements, Gardaí identified a number of premises where the transactions occurred.  After viewing the footage available, it was established that on four (4) of the occasions, the same female approached the till and bought prepaid debit cards which she paid for using a phone.  It was later established that she had the victims details, on her phone, and used these to pay for the transactions.

In total, between both victims, over 47 unauthorised transactions took place.

 

Transaction Details:

September 27th 2025 – Deerpark, Co. Carlow Service Station

October 3rd 2025 – M9 Kilcullen Service Station

October 3rd 2025 – M11 Gorey Service Station

October 4th 2025 – M6 Athlone Service Station

 

 

 

Suspect Descriptions:

• Female
• Aged– in her 20’s
• Height - 5ft5 or 5ft6 approx.
• Build -  medium
• Hair - long brown/black

 

Garda Appeal:

• Anyone, who may recognise the woman in the CCTV, to contact Gardaí.
• Anyone who may have any information that could assist with either of these investigations, to contact us..

The school gate brings children, cars, buses, cyclists, scooters and pedestrians together in a confined space, often at the busiest part of the morning. The safest approach is not simply to ask, “Is my child safe?” but, “Is what I am doing helping to keep every child safe?”

1. WHY SCHOOL ZONES REQUIRE EXTRA CARE

As we know young children are particularly vulnerable road users because of their size, limited experience and limited awareness of traffic. We recommend that children under 12 do not have the skills and experience needed to deal safely with traffic on their own and should be accompanied by an adult.

The RSA’s 2021–2025 child-casualty analysis, highlighted in August 2026, reported 38 children aged 0–15 killed and 620 seriously injured on Irish roads over the five-year period. One in eight child casualties was travelling to or from school. Almost half of child casualties were pedestrians and 17% were cyclists.

Children can behave unpredictably. All drivers approaching a school should reduce speed, increase observation and be prepared to stop in a very short distance. The posted speed limit is a maximum legal limit, not a target speed for every circumstance.

2. THE SCHOOL GATE – PARKING, VISIBILITY & DRIVER BEHAVIOUR

We are all too well aware of the poor parking and congestion at the school gates and the risk this type of behavior poses to young people. A vehicle left in the wrong place can obstruct sightlines, hide a child from an approaching driver, force children onto the roadway or interfere with emergency access.

An Garda Síochána would advise all drivers to obey speed limits; avoid double parking; avoid parking on footpaths or cycle tracks; keep entrances, junctions and crossings clear; and let children get out on the footpath side. Drivers should check carefully for children beside and behind the vehicle before parking, reversing or moving off. We would also advises against stopping or parking on SCHOOL KEEP CLEAR/yellow zig-zag markings.

The RSA school-gate guide encourages schools and parents to consider parking management, designated drop-off areas and Park ’n’ Stride arrangements. Walking the final few hundred metres can reduce the concentration of vehicles directly outside the gate.

 “I’m only stopping for two minutes” does not remove the danger. One badly positioned vehicle can take away the sightline that a child or driver needs.

3. CHILDREN WALKING & CYCLING – SEE AND BE SEEN

RSA educational material stresses that children need to learn safe road-crossing behaviour and that adults must model it. Children should use safe crossing points where available, stop and look carefully, and remain alert rather than assuming a driver has seen them.

The Rules of the Road tells drivers to take particular care around young cyclists and near schools, where cyclists may emerge in groups. Young cyclists’ balance and behaviour can be difficult to predict. Drivers should therefore allow space, anticipate sudden movement and avoid creating additional hazards through speed, distraction or poor parking.

If a child cannot see the approaching driver because of a parked vehicle, the driver may not be able to see the child either. Visibility is one of the most important protections around a school.

4. SCHOOL WARDENS – THE LAW IS CLEAR

School wardens have a statutory power to stop traffic. Section 96 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as amended, provides that a school warden may exhibit the prescribed sign requiring traffic to stop so children can cross safely. Traffic must stop and remain stopped while the sign is exhibited. Failure to stop, or failure to remain stopped, is an offence.

The current Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 prescribe the RUS 032 school warden STOP sign and the uniform requirements. The Rules of the Road explains that when the warden raises the STOP sign, a driver must stop and remain stopped until the children have crossed, the sign has been lowered and the warden has safely returned to the footpath.

Failure to obey a school warden carries an immediate fixed charge of €160 and two penalty points.

AGGRESSION TOWARDS WARDENS: In August 2026 the RSA specifically highlighted recent reports of driver impatience and abuse towards school wardens. It described hostility towards wardens as unacceptable and reminded motorists that stopping is a legal requirement, not a courtesy.

A school warden standing in the road is protecting children. When that STOP sign is raised, there is no negotiation and no reason for impatience: stop, remain stopped and allow the warden to complete the crossing safely.

5. SHARED RESPONSIBILITY – MAKING THE SCHOOL JOURNEY SAFER

Safer school zones require drivers, parents, schools, children and the wider community to work together. The RSA school-gate guidance recommends identifying the particular risks around each school and developing a road-safety action plan. Risks can differ significantly between urban and rural schools – from congested junctions and inadequate crossings to missing footpaths, cycle facilities or safe bus stopping points.

For drivers, the practical message is straightforward: slow down, remove distractions, expect the unexpected, give vulnerable road users space and never allow convenience to override safety. Parents can help by parking legally, considering Park ’n’ Stride, teaching safe crossing behaviour and setting a good example themselves.

We all want our own children to arrive safely. The challenge is to drive, park and behave in a way that gives every child the same protection.

The Gardaí in Ashbourne are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 42-year-old Ivan Herceg.

Description:

• Height: 6ft 1inches (185.5cm)
• Slim build
• Hair – shaved tight

Last Known Address:

• The Heights, Barnhall Meadows, Leixlip, Co. Kildare
• Other addresses in the Leixlip area.

The Gardaí in Anglesea Street are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 36-year-old John Spence.

Description:

• 5ft 10inch
• medium/strong build
• Dark hair

 

Last Known Address:

• Tay Road, Cobh, Co. Cork
• Possibly, currently in London.