Gang behind spate of break-ins at sheds and garages across Kilkenny strike again

A CRIME gang targeting Kilkenny homes and businesses is believed to be behind a spate of identical break-ins in recent days.

Local gardai are investigating four separate burglaries in which power tools were stolen over a three-day period.

Last Friday, January 11, the thieves broke into a garage attached to a house in Coon outside Castlecomer sometime between 2pm and 4pm. A number of expensive power tools were stolen, including a Husqvarna chainsaw, a red Honda strimmer, a yellow-coloured Partner chainsaw, a red Honda diesel power-washer and a red Husqvarna con saw.

A few hours earlier, sometime overnight between January 10 and 11, two sheds were broken into in the Paulstown area and several more power tools were taken.

The rear door of a secure garage attached to a home in Ballyellen, Goresbridge was forced open and a small number of tools were stolen, along with a quantity of diesel.

A shed behind a house in St Enda’s Terrace in Paulstown was also broken into around the same time. The thieves made off with two chainsaws, one red, one green.

The previous night thieves targeted a house being renovated on the Mill Road in Urlingford. Several industrial power tools that had been left on site were stolen.

Kilkenny gardai said it is likely the same gang, who would have required a large vehicle to transport the stolen goods, is behind all four burglaries.

Kilkenny-Carlow Division Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Peter McConnon told KilkennyNow.ie: “We suspect there is a connection: the same modus oparandi was used, similar type of properties were targeted.

“We are appealing to homeowners to ensure their properties are locked and alarmed and, where possible, to extend their alarms to their sheds.

“We would also urge people to photograph any valuable tools they possess as it makes it much easier for them to identify the items if they are subsequently recovered.”

Sgt McConnon confirmed many stolen power tools recently recovered from a house in Carlow that had been marked have now been returned to their rightful owners.

The value of the 208 power tools that were recovered in the search of the property is estimated to be €92,000.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is urged to contact Castlecomer Garda Station on 056 444 1222, or Thomastown Garda Station on 056 775 4150