Bogus Garda, Valuable Bike Stolen, Amongst Latest Crime Incidents In Youghal

Youghal householders are being warned to beware of individuals impersonating gardai calling to their doors. Garda Peter Queally told listeners to Saturday’s CRY Garda report that one such incident happened in the Clashadonagh area on the previous Thursday (April 22nd).
Report: Christy Parker | Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

At approximately 3.40 pm a man described as “Irish, tall, about 40, well spoken, with short, light brown hair called to an elderly man living alone. He was wearing a navy coat and dark glasses and claimed to be a plainclothes garda. The man subsequently gained entry to the house and stole an envelope containing €800. The man is believed to have been driving a dark coloured car and may have followed his victim from town. Information is being sought to help the investigation.

Calling card

Garda Queally said similar incidents have recently been reported around the country, including in Cobh. He also informed listeners of a business card initiative now being launched to help combat such crimes. Householders, rather than opening the door to unknown callers, ask the caller to fill in their details on the bright yellow card. Having acquired the information without allowing entry, they inform the caller that they will contact him or her should they require their services. The scheme operates on the basis that bona fide callers will not object to it. It also serves as a deterrent to bogus individuals. The cards are now being distributed through various community groups, including those affiliated to Cumann na Daoine and can also be acquired at the garda station.

Valuable bike stolen

Deception was also used in the theft of a valuable bicycle from Sport and Leisure at Barry’s Lane. Three individuals were believed to be involved, on the basis that two accomplices drew the shop owner’s attention while a third absconded with the bicycle, which had not as yet been securely tied outside the premises. The bike was a black, white and red Trek 1.2, valued at €800.

The incident occurred at about 12.40 pm on Monday April 19th. CCTV only produced a rear photograph of the chief suspect, although the two suspected accomplices, who have denied involvement, are known. The shop owner believes all were non-Irish nationals, probably Polish.

Lidl supermarket also suffered a robbery last week. At about 1.10pm, on Thursday 22nd April, two individuals absconded with a large quantity of alcohol. One suspect was in his 20’s, wearing a black jacket, had brown, curly, receding hair and glasses. He was carrying a black backpack o his back. The second male was also in his 20’s, wearing a light grey baseball cap and blue jumper with ‘Brazil’ written on the back of it. It is thought that one thief distracted staff, while the second placed the drink on an aisle close to the entrance. He then left quickly with the goods when someone entered the shop.

Community Safety Week

Garda Queally also spoke of Community Safety Week, which runs from Sunday April 25th to Saturday May 1st. He advised that on Thursday next, April 29th, in his role as community garda, he will be operating a confidential advice service in the garda station from 4-6pm. “If anyone wants to call and talk about safety or has any apprehensions or ideas related to community safety, I’ll be happy to assist,” he said. The service is a pilot initiative.

Bank holiday

The garda also warned of increased Garda checkpoint activity over the coming May bank holiday, along with more prevalent speed checks. He revealed that one third of all road deaths in 2009 were pedestrians. “It’s a high percentage and the advice to pedestrians is to be highly visible, with bright clothes when walking in rural areas and to exercise caution at all times,” he said, adding that. “drivers are should slow down and be vigilant when approaching areas where there are likely to be people walking.” Further advice alluded to passengers applying seat belts and children being seated in tandem with appropriate rear car seats or booster seats.

Garda Queally quoted national statistics that 57 people had died on Irish roads so far this year, six of them in the previous week. Last May bank holiday, 345 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, with five fatal collisions and six fatalities. Over the 2010 Easter weekend, over 200 people were arrested for driving while intoxicated.

Beach clean

Before departing the studio, the garda asked that due recognition be afforded to the member of the Foroige youth club, participating parents and other volunteers who had spent the day picking litter from Youghal beach. It was noted that the day’s endeavours reflected well on Youghal’s youth at time when adverse publicity regarding anti-social behaviour of various misfortune remains a blight.

Finally, the garda reminded that the next Community Alert meeting is on Tuesday May 4th at 7.45pm sharp, in the Walter Raleigh hotel.