Burglars making their getaways in stolen cars
By Maurice Garvey
BURGLARS in the Clondalkin policing district have been making their getaway in stolen cars, driving the wrong way down motorways.
According to Clondalkin Supt Seamus Dalton, the tactic is an “escape mechanism”, as they know gardai “will not pursue” cars driving the wrong way down a motorway.
Clondalkin Garda station – numbers ‘still below’ what they used to be
The recent trend is a concern with burglaries in the Clondalkin area up 35 per cent over the last year, and in Rathcoole, the figure is up 18 per cent.
Garda statistics from the recent Joint Policing Meeting, indicate there were 205 burglaries in Clondalkin in 2019, and 126 burglaries in Rathcoole.
Speaking at the policing meeting in the Green Isle Hotel, Supt Dalton noted the increase in burglaries was “all over” and not confined to a specific area.
“We endeavour to target repeat offenders. We are finding people are leaving their keys in the hallway and they are fished out of the letterbox. A number of cars have been stolen in Clondalkin,” he said.
Supt Dalton warned members of the public that a number of stolen cars used in burglaries had been left in estates for a period of time prior to their use by criminals.
“If you see a car that doesn’t belong, call gardai,” said Supt Dalton.
Another worrying recent trend is the use of stolen vehicles by thieves in an effort to batter down the front door of businesses, both in retail and industrial estates.
Residents at the meeting raised concerns at the response times from gardai, particularly Rathcoole residents, whose garda station is only open during the day, and covers the biggest area (58 sq km).
As of November 21, there are 16 gardai stationed in Rathcoole, and 72 gardai stationed in Clondalkin.
However, one shift could see between six to eight gardai based in Clondalkin.
Supt Dalton said he would absorb as many gardai as he was given, but had to make do with the resources he has.
Although the district will be getting four new gardai this month, he acknowledged this was “still below” where they needed to be.
