Gardaí investigating links between boat burglaries and diesel thefts

LINK? The Achill fishing vessel ‘BlΡth na hÓige’ which sank after a deck pump was stolen from it. Gardaí are investigating the possible link between the theft and the recent theft of diesel from parked vans.

Anton McNulty

Gardaí are investigating possible links between the recent theft of pumps from Achill boats and a spate of thefts of diesel from parked vehicles.
A number of incidents have been reported to gardaí in the last fortnight where diesel was siphoned from vehicles which were parked outside hotels in various locations. Gardaí in Mayo are investigating whether these thefts are connected to the theft of a pump from a boat in Purteen Harbour on Achill Island, which resulted in a fishing vessel being sunk.  
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, October 9, when a number of boats which were tied by the harbour, were burgled and items stolen included petrol cans and pumps.
“Boat pumps taken in Achill two weeks ago are possibly connected to the siphoning of diesel [around Mayo], we are examining it,” explained Superintendent Joe McKenna.
“We always advise buses and trucks not to park too far from hotels, but if they do, make sure tanks are securely locked.”
The theft of a deck pump from the 36-foot ‘BlΡth na hÓige’ fishing boat resulted in it sinking and caused around €15,000 worth of damage. Other items stolen from up to six boats included oilskins and lifejackets while more expensive equipment such as outboard engines were left behind.
The recent theft of diesel included 170 litres from a white Mercedes bus that was parked in Hotel Westport between 6.30pm on Thursday, October 12 and 9am on Friday, October 13. Diesel worth €150 was also taken from a Mercedes bus parked at the Park Hotel in Kiltimagh between the evening of Tuesday, October 17 and the morning of Wednesday, October 18 while €120 worth of fuel was taken from a white van parked at the Breaffy House Hotel between the hours of 11pm on Wednesday, October and 6pm the following evening.
Meanwhile it is believed that one gang were involved in a series of burglaries which occurred across the county between midnight on Wednesday, October 18 and 2am on Thursday, October 19.
Gardaí believe a silver-coloured high-powered vehicle was used to travel between the premises which included Season Master Double Glazing in Straide; Gilmartin’s Catering Kiltimagh, Molloy’s Butcher’s and Lucky Kebab House in Shrule.
If anyone witnessed anything suspicious at any of these locations during these times they are asked to contact Claremorris Garda Station on 094 93 72080.