Woman (88) is terrorised by home intruders

AN 88-year-old woman living near New Ross was the victim of a terrifying robbery at her home on Wednesday night – the third crime she has endured in three years.

The break in occurred at a house in Kilbraghan at 8.55 p.m. The woman was in the house when two males forced a rear window open. One of the men demanded money from the woman while the other man searched the house, disconnecting the phone line in the process.

One of the men is described as being of medium build and medium height, and in his sixties, wearing dark clothing and a dark peaked cap.

A local resident who asked to remain anonymous for fear of being targeted said: ‘Nobody was caught for the first two break ins. Here in Kilbraghan we are residents living only 5kms from New Ross gardaí, but we are situated in the Mooncoin garda district which is a 20km journey away giving such culprits time to vacate the district.’

Sergeant Ted Hughes at Thomastown Garda Station said: ‘Any time anyone comes into your home that is not invited it is terrifying. There is a massive investigation going on in relation to this. We are investigating this and we won’t be holding back any supports to this woman. All supports will be provided between all of the agencies.’

Sgt Hughes said the investigation team are looking at every aspect of the crime, including that the woman may have been targeted. ‘ Equally it could have been an opportunistic crime.’

Meanwhile Kilkenny gardaí are investigating a burglary in Pollagh, Skeoughvosteen, which occurred at some time between midday on Friday (February 7) and midday on Wednesday (February 12).

Opportunist criminals targeted a boiler house in Pollagh. The glass panel on the door of the boiler house was smashed in order to gain entry. The heating oil tank was emptied a quantity of firewood was taken along with a jeep battery and four drums of hydraulic oil.

Anyone who noticed any suspicious persons in the area around that time is asked to contact gardaí in Kilkenny on (056) 775000.