Art thieves brought loot home in taxi

January 2001

Bungling art thieves led Gardaí straight to their door last weekend when they brought their loot home in a taxicab.

Two men were apprehended at a residence in Kilmore following the theft of three paintings from the window of Greenacres on North Main Street in Wexford on Friday night/Saturday morning.

It is believed that the thieves were easily located after they hired a taxi to ferry themselves and two of the paintings home after committing the robbery.

The other painting was located in Wexford town on Saturday morning.

All three paintings were oils on canvas by London-based artist Robyn Horsburgh, who is a sister-in-law of well-known Irish artist, Paddy Lennon.

According to Gardai, a plate glass window in Greenacres was smashed, and paintings removed from the display.

The value of the paintings has not been revealed, but all three paintings are said to have been returned ‘in immaculate condination’ to Greenacres proprietor, James O’Connor.

Gardai this week said that while investigations into the matter are ‘not yet complete’, they are ‘not looking for anyone else in connection with the matter’.

A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Meanwhile, this week proprietor James O’Connor was full of praise for the Gardaí for their swift detective work, which led to the quick recovery of the artwork.

‘I am most grateful for the good work of the Gardai who got the paintings back in perfect condition,’ he said.