Arrest imminent in car burning attempt

Youghal gardai now hope to interview an individual in regard to an attempt to burn out a car at the Estuary estate last Friday night. The news follows an request for public assistance by Community Garda Peter Queally.

Garda Queally described the incident as “very concerning” and had asked that anyone who had noticed anything suspicious in the vicinity of Raheen Road, the Spa and Magnier’s Hill, between 2 and 4 am, to contact gardai on (024) 92200. “If it had not been spotted, it could have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to other cars in close proximity, not to mention people and property,” observed the garda.

The gardai are also seeking help in solving another car related incident from the previous Sunday night (August 8th). Between 11.30 pm and 1.30 am, Garda Queally related, a silver Mitushibi Crew Cab suffered slashed tyres and graffiti at Blackwater Heights.

Drugs

Meanwhile search warrants and street searches by the local drugs squad last week had resulted in three arrests for possession. Gardai say there has been no major arrests in terms of dealers in recent months and continue to appeal for any information. Meanwhile Munster Area drugs services co-ordinator, Gordon Kingsley will address next September’s Community Alert meeting on the issue.

Shoppers harassment

The gardai are set to disperse ASBO’s (Anti-Social Behaviour Orders) in the coming days in lieu of a “worrying trend” in antisocial behaviour against shops and shoppers on the main street, Garda Queally has revealed. He says a group of individuals, generally aged 13 to 17, have been causing nuisance and intimidation in recent times. This has included verbal abuse, noise making and some criminal damage. “The most worrying aspect for us is the intimidation side of things and people have been reluctant to make formal complaints due to the large number of youths involved,” Garda Queally explains. “We can’t act without an official complaint but we can move on it in a different way,” he proceeds, before revealing that gardai are now considering issuing ASBO’s to those involved. “The parents of these kids could also help us out here,” he adds. Meanwhile, as the Chamber of Commerce issues advisory letters, witnesses to such behaviour are asked to contact gardai.

Socially monitored alarms

Garda Queally says there are now a new stock of application forms available for person socially monitored alarms. Over 40 have been installed in Youghal in recent months, through the Community Alert group. The group hopes to complete another tranche of 15 applications in line with government requirements in the coming weeks. The forms can be acquired at the garda station.

Finally the next community alert meeting is at the Walter Raleigh hotel on Tuesday September 7th.