Break-ins at local shopping centre prompt calls for extra garda patrols
By Mary Dennehy
CALLS have been made for extra garda patrols in and around the Castletymon Shopping Centre after local businesses were left forking out hundreds of euro in damages following more break-ins.
In the last year, a number of businesses in the area have been exposed to continuous damage and break-ins, with Centra and Paddy Power only last month being violently targeted by lone raiders, who made off with undisclosed sums of cash.
Last week, Centra was targeted again when thieves broke into the shop at around 6am on the morning of October 20, damaging the steel shutters to gain entry and making off with a number of items, including cigarettes.
Three days later, the Maxol station on the Tymon North Road was hit in a similar raid, which saw the shutters damaged to gain entry and tobacco and cigarettes stolen.
The Echo understands that Gardaí have noted similar traits between both break-ins and are following a line of inquiry that the break-ins could have been carried out by a local gang.
Speaking to The Echo, Labour Party councillor Mick Duff said: “Castletymon is now a crime blackspot and more attention from the Garda would be appreciated.
“Officers do regularly patrol the area and I know they are doing what they can within the resources available, but businesses need more support.
“These robberies and break-ins are making it very hard for businesses in the area and the community is very grateful that, despite all the damages, these businesses are dedicated to staying open.”
He added: “South Dublin County Council has upgraded the shopping centre’s lighting system, with plans in place to upgrade the flood lights at the library.
“There are also informal discussions between businesses to install a monitored CCTV system. Many believe that these hits are coming from within our own communities and anybody with information is encouraged to come forward.
“Not only are these attacks costing local business big bucks but they are endangering the lives of staff and customers, and putting the sustainability of our community shopping centre at risk.”
When contact by The Echo, Tallaght Superintendent Peter Duff said he met with businesses last week and the crime prevention officer has been made available to them.
He said: “The modus operandi of both break-ins are quite similar, in both incidents the shutters were prised open and tobacco products taken.
“We haven’t ruled out that this is a local gang, but we can’t confirm that at this stage.”
He added: “There are a number of commercial premises being broken into at present and Castletymon has had its fair share.
“We do patrol the area, but unfortunately we have lots of other areas to patrol as well, but do the best we can. I would encourage all residents who spot anything to contact the station in confidence.”
Contact Tallaght Garda Station on 6666000.
