Burglaries may be connected

Anton McNulty

GARDAÍ suspect that the burglary of four houses in Mayo on Thursday evening last are connected and are seeking public assistance to solve the crimes.
Four houses in Glenhest, Lahardane, Crossmolina and Breaffy were all burgled late on Thursday evening, October 13, with a sum of cash taken from one of them. Gardaí believe that the burglaries took place some time between 6pm on Thursday and midnight on Friday.
The house in Glenhest was a holiday home but the three other houses were burgled while the occupants were out of the homes.
Entry to the homes at Glenhest, Knockfarnaght, Lahardane and Kildavaroge, Crossmolina were all gained when a back window was forced open while the patio door of the home in Carrownurlaur, Breaffy was broken. Only cash was stolen from one of the homes and the thieves did not appear interested in taking other valuables such as jewelry and electrical items.
Connected
Gardaí believe that the four burglaries may have been connected and are seeking the assistance of the public in investigating the burglaries. Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious on Thursday in the four areas is asked to contact Gardaí in Ballina and Castlebar.
A garda spokesperson has appealed for people not to leave large amount of cash in their homes as this is what a number of criminals are seeking. The spokesperson also asked people to insure their homes are secure when they are leaving them unoccupied, particularly during the winter months.
“During this time of year I would encourage people not to leave cash in their homes. While a lot of cash was not taken in these incidents, having people trespassing in your home is what people hate the most. While this crime is low in rural areas there are thieves who will target empty homes so make sure your home is secure and if you have an alarm, arm it before going out,” the spokesperson said.