Car owner forced to stay up all night after thieves stole car keys

By Maurice Garvey

A HOMEOWNER was forced to stay up all night on high alert to prevent thieves returning to steal his cars in the driveway.

Two males broke into the family home at Michael Collins Park, Clondalkin, during the middle of the night last Tuesday (early hours of April 19), whilst the couple’s three children slept upstairs.

The burglars stole two sets of car keys but were disturbed in the process of the robbery and fled.

The Echo understands a third accomplice was waiting for them in a car at the entrance to the estate, located across the road from the Waterside Bar, and the trio escaped.

Whilst the family were left reeling from the shock, the homeowner was then forced to wait up the following night, in case the culprits returned.

At approximately 4am the next night, two men were seen approaching the house, but when discovering they were being watched, fled in the accomplice’s vehicle which was parked at the entrance to the estate.

“It’s shocking and very disturbing, everyone has heard about it in the estate,” said a resident.

“The family are really nice people, hard-working, and that they had to go through this is very sad. It puts everyone on tenterhooks.”

The Echo understands the family have replaced the two sets of cars keys, which collectively cost in the region of €900.

Fianna Fáil councillor Trevor Gilligan, who grew up nearby, said the incident “shows just how brazen criminals are.”

“I’d like to commend the family for trying to apprehend the criminals,” said Cllr Gilligan.

“To put a family through such torture for a burglary is not something that should be happening.”

Clondalkin Gardai are investigating the incident and have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them at 01 666 7600.