Same gang suspected of two robberies

January 2006

The same gang is suspected of carrying out separate daylight attacks on the homes of elderly people.

The first incident occurs between 12.15pm and 12.45pm at Carrick Road, Dundalk when the culprits are seen arriving and putting on black gloves.

A 72-year-old woman opens her back door, and three men force their way past, threatening her.

One of the thugs stays with the lady, while the others search her home, and remove a small amount of cash.

She is not injured but is badly shaken by the ordeal.

One of the intruders is described as being 5’ 10” tall with a fair complexion. His accomplices are smaller. They leave in a black car.

Gardaí hope passers-by and other residents will provide them with vital information in their pursuit of those responsible.

A robbery in Dunleer occurs about a half-hour later. This time as 77-year-old man answers the door and has what appears to be a handgun shoved into his chest.

He and his 67-year-old sister are held captive in a room. They are threatened and the lady is slapped in the face.

A small sum of money is taken from the man’s pocket and jewellery from his sister’s room which is ransacked.

The robbers flee in two vehicles, one dark grey and the other a red car.

These getaway vehicles head towards the centre of Dunleer.

The timing of the attacks and the manner in which they are perpetrated leads investigators to believe it might be the same gang involved.

Meanwhile, gardaí are seeking three men for the theft of €1,300-worth of rings. They enter Midas Jewellers, Park Street, Dundalk, and grab a tray containing the rings before escaping.