Vandals torched car as owner slept

January 2003

IT wasn’t exactly the type of Christmas gift Colm Weadick had in mind.

Just three days before Christmas, the 32 year old Arklow man was woken at his South Quay home to be told that his car was ablaze outside.

Firemen from the local brigade rushed to the scene but a devastated Colm Weadick could only watch as his car was completely gutted in the fire.

Local gardaí have launched an investigation into the matter which is believed to be the latest in a number of acts of vandalism in recent times.

A number of shops on Arklow’s main street had their windows smashed just three weeks ago and gardaí believe that this was the latest in a series of incidents of vandalism.

‘When I finished work I drove home and parked at South Quay where I lived. I went out for a few drinks and went home to bed. At 7 a.m. my father heard a noise outside and when he looked out my car was on fire. It was totally burned out, it was a write off. The fire brigade put the fire out immediately but the car was gutted. It is particularly upsetting at this time of year. I am devastated over it,’ Mr Weadick said.