Gang target

Criminal gangs targetting Mayo, warn Gardaí

Neill O’Neill

Gardaí in Mayo have appealed for all shop owners to be extra vigilant and ensure they have security systems in place after the arrest last week of three members of a Dublin criminal gang who they believe were stealing expensive razor blades and alcohol in the county.
Suspicious activity prompted the Gardaí in Westport to put an operation in place in the town last Wednesday. A car they were monitoring left the town and was stopped in Ballinrobe around 4.30pm. The three male occupants of the vehicle were taken to Castlebar Garda Station for questioning, while a search of the vehicle revealed over €2,000 worth of Gillette razor blades and a quantity of alcohol which it is believed were stolen off the shelves of shops in Mayo. The investigation is on-going and a file is being prepared to be sent to the DPP on the matter.
Gardaí are still trying to return the items to their owners but believe that the gang specifically travelled to the west for a spree of shoplifting. They targeted shops during opening hours and it is thought the expensive razor blades were destined for the black market.
A Garda spokesperson reiterated that while there was nothing to suggest that criminal gangs like these are operating on a widespread basis in Mayo all shop owners and staff should be alert and report any suspicious activity they see.
Research has shown that razor blades are the most commonly stolen item from Irish shops.