Local volunteer robbed after two days bag-packing
By Maurice Garvey
A VOLUNTEER who had just spent two days bag-packing for a community event, was left devastated after a thief stole her handbag whilst she was packing up to go home.
The woman is one of the organisers of Palmerstown Festival, and had been bag-packing at SuperValu on Kennelsfort Road last weekend, to raise funds for the upcoming festival.
Whilst she was putting shopping in her car and preparing to leave the carpark on Saturday evening, a thief crept out of an adjoining parked car and took her handbag from the back seat of the car.
The Echo understands the woman, who is highly regarded in the community, is mourning the recent loss of her sister.
Most of the money raised for the festival was in a shop safe at the time, but the bag contained some of the funds, plus her personal belongings, including wallet, driver licence and family relics.
The incident sent shockwaves through the community with many expressing their anger over the nature of the attack.
Siobhán Garcia, a Palmerstown business owner and friend of the woman, appealed for anyone with information to contact gardai.
Ms Garcia said: “It’s horrible news. She is the most dedicated community volunteer I know. Always willing to help others – we wouldn’t have the festival without her. CCTV has got the footage with the culprit visible, so hopefully that will help gardai with their investigation.
“She spent two full days bag-packing and as she was about to leave, someone lifted her bag. Nobody knows if it’s a coincidence or if the adjoining car knew the person was fundraising for the festival. The money will be gone, but she would like to have her belongings returned.”
Anyone who finds a black ladies handbag in the vicinity is encouraged to drop it into gardai or contact the Palmerstown Neighbourhood Watch Facebook page.
A Garda spokesman said: “Gardai received a report of theft from a vehicle which occurred at Palmerstown Shopping Centre, Palmerstown on May 6 at 6pm.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Ronanstown Garda Station at 666 7700.
