South Mayo reeling amid break-ins at crèche, golf club and factory

A CRÉCHE and a farm machinery factory in South Mayo have been broken into, The Mayo News can reveal.

Robeen Rascals Childcare Centre in Robeen became the latest victim of a spate of local break-ins when it was ‘ransacked’ in the early hours of this morning (July 27).

A garda source confirmed that €200 in cash was taken from the premises, which will remain closed today and tomorrow.

Doors and windows were damaged as a result of forced entry.

The perpetrators also caused damage to the alarm system at the facility, which has been left without internet or CCTV.

Over 80 children are currently enrolled in the crèche, which first opened its doors in 2006.

Keith McTigue, whose son attends the facility, said the break-in was ‘upsetting’ for the staff, children and parents who arrived there this morning.

“It’s not a pleasant thing for them to arrive in the morning, just starting the day off normally to go in and mind people’s kids, and find the place turned upside down,” he told The Mayo News.  

In a separate incident, a couple of hundred euros worth of cash was taken from Malone Engineering in Ballyglass between the hours of Monday night (July 24) and Tuesday morning (July 25).

Mike Malone, founder of Malone Engineering, told The Mayo News that the perpetrators severed fibre optic cables in two locations to disable the alarm before breaking into the premises.

The perpetrators searched offices and canteen facilities before leaving with cash taken from the shop.

Mr Malone estimated that the perpetrators spent at least an hour-and-a-half scouring the facility before leaving.

Damage was also done to sensor lights and doors at the factory.

“We’re two days trying to tidy it up,” Mr Malone said.

Malone Engineering employs over 40 people at its manufacturing facility and exports to at least ten different countries.

Ballinrobe Golf Club was also broken into at approximately 3am this morning (July 27). Nothing was taken from the premises except for an empty till drawer. However, damage was done to the front door and the office door during the break-in. 

Inspector Denis Harrington told The Mayo News that gardaí would be carrying out extra patrols in the aftermath of these incidents.

Insp Harrington said that all three break-ins are currently under investigation and that gardaí were keeping ‘an open mind’ regarding the motives.

He encouraged the public to report any recent suspicious activity in the area to gardaí.

“It would seem that they are targeting these premises that are vacant at nighttime,” Insp Harrington commented.

He also appealed to business owners not to keep cash on their premises.

It has not been confirmed if the three break-ins are connected.

Anyone with any relevant information is asked to contact Claremorris Garda Station on 094 937 2080, Castlebar Garda Station on (094) 903 8200 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.