Gardaí are investigating a series of thefts in the Mountcharles area on Sunday night/Monday morning.
Two mechanical businesses and a shed in the Drumconnor area were broken into over the course of the robberies.
The first incident took place at a garage sometime between 1pm on Sunday, August 11th, and 8.30am on Monday, August 12th. The back door of the premises was broken in to gain entry. A substantial quantity of tools and car diagnostic equipment was stolen, with a detailed list currently being compiled.
A car breakers’ yard in the same area was targeted at approximately 00:35am on Monday, August 12th. A number of Milwaukee power tools were stolen, including two grinders, an Impact wrench, two Milwaukee batteries and a Milwaukee SBS hammer action drill.
The third incident involved the theft of a quad bike from a shed in Drumconnor between 1.30pm on Sunday and 9.30am on Monday. The quad had been removed from the shed and abandoned a short distance away. The ignition barrel had been removed from it.
Gardaí are appealing to the public for any information that may assist with their investigations. Anyone who may have observed suspicious activity or vehicles in the Drumconnor area between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning is asked to contact Ballyshannon Garda Station on 071-9858530.
Additionally, anyone who comes across tools or car diagnostic equipment for sale under suspicious circumstances is urged to come forward.
Anyone with dashcam footage from the Mountcharles area between midnight and 1.30am on Monday morning is particularly urged to contact Gardaí.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
In a community appeal, Garda Clare Rafferty said: “In light of the above incidents and the fact that the nights will soon start to close in a bit earlier, we wish to advise home and business owners in all areas to review their security measures.”
Please take the following steps:
- Secure Garages and Out Buildings with proper locking mechanisms. Secure the windows/ doors at your home.
- Review perimeter lighting and upgrade where necessary. Lighting is an effective deterrent to the criminally minded.
- Check on older neighbours and people who live alone.
- Be vigilant for the movement of cars and vans in rural areas particularly during the hours of darkness.
- Report any activity that appears suspicious immediately to your local 24/7 Garda District Headquarters Station.
Do not keep large amounts of cash at home. Take note of serial numbers of any expensive equipment/machinery and photograph them and any valuables you have such as jewellery/electronics. Keep the photographs and serial numbers in a safe place.
Your Local District Headquarters 24/7 Garda Stations are: Letterkenny 074-9167100, Buncrana 074-9320540, Milford 074-9153060 & Ballyshannon on 071-9858530.
