Shopping centre raids bring calls for extra Garda resources in area
By Mary Dennehy
SECURITY measures at the Castletymon Shopping Centre in Tallaght are being heightened, after two businesses were violently targeted by lone raiders this week.
On Sunday evening at around 10.30pm, a masked man armed with a screwdriver threatened staff in the local Centra store – forcing them to hand over an undisclosed amount of cash.
Two days later, Paddy Power bookmakers was also targeted by a masked lone raider who used a chair to smash the security glass between customers and staff.
Employees on site managed to escape to a secure back-room while the raider grabbed a sum of money off the counter and made his getaway.
Gardaí at Tallaght have confirmed that nobody was physically injured in either raid.
However, when asked by The Echo if they believed the raids were connected, they were unable to confirm if the robberies were carried out by the same perpetrator.
Tallaght Labour Party councillor Mick Duff, who lives in the area, told The Echo: “From a local perspective people are outraged that their neighbourhood shopping centre has been targeted in this way . . . and twice in the space of two days.
“Not only does this endanger staff working in the centre, but also residents, young and old.
“I’ve been in touch with Tallaght Superintendent Peter Duff and I’m calling for extra Garda resources and a meeting between the Superintendent and local traders concerning security measures.
“I know that South Dublin County Council is also enhancing the public lighting system at the shopping centre, which will play an important role in deterring crime.”
He added: “Something needs to be done about the rising level of raids on local businesses in Tallaght.
“I have heard of numerous cases where these crimes and a number of home burglaries are being carried out by people who are out on bail. The bail laws need to be examined and reviewed.”
When contacted by The Echo, Superintendent Peter Duff said: “Of course, myself or our crime prevention officer will meet with traders – that’s an option open to any business, resident or group at any time.
“We are currently examining CCTV from the area and anybody who witnessed anything suspicious around the time of either raid is encouraged to make contact.”
When asked about claims that a number of burglaries and raids are being carried out by local criminals out on bail, Supt Duff said: “Some crimes are committed by people out on bail and some are committed by people that have never been charged.
“If somebody is out on bail and they commit a crime, officers generally make an application to have their bail revoked – sometimes this application is successful, sometimes it is not.”
Contact Tallaght Garda Station’s crime prevention officer on 6666000.
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