'Out of luck' - Three Irishmen accused of million dollar thefts arrested in Australia

Three young Irishmen accused of million dollar thefts of luxury items including jewellery and designer handbags have been arrested in Australia. 

According to 9 News Melbourne, the trio have allegedly been linked to more than 60 home invasions and burglaries across Melbourne, allegedly working as part of a sophisticated syndicate. 

In a May 2 report on the arrests, Journalist Neary Ty said, "They are known for living a transient lifestyle, but tonight these Irish nationals are calling a jail cell home. 

"They were scooped up this morning at a Holiday Inn at Melbourne Airport allegedly trying to flee the country. 

"[The] three young men aged 19, 24 and 25 are accused of a crime spree targeting the wealthy across Melbourne." 

Detective Senior Sergeant, Brendan Pollock, said, "They see this as work and this is the way of earning a living. 

"It's rich pickings, so to speak, for these kind of criminals to be able to ship the items back home." 

Ty continued: "Police will allege these men are part of a broader network of fly-in fly-out burglars, even bringing their families and children with them.  

"Some of their alleged crimes have been described as quasi-military in style, allegedly using cleaning products like bleach to remove any traces of DNA. 

"Sources have told 9 News once the offenders in the syndicate serve time and are deported to the UK, their identities are easily changed only to fly back down under to fleece more victims." 

Detective Pollock described them as "very sophisticated". 

He said, "They're very networked, it's a worldwide style of offending. These arrests are significant in terms of sending a message." 

The three men have since been charged and are reportedly facing court today (May 3). 

Three Irish Nationals, allegedly working as part of a sophisticated syndicate and accused of stealing jewels, luxury handbags and cash worth a million dollars, have been arrested. @NearyTy_9 #9News pic.twitter.com/uPN2hC0UGF

— 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) May 2, 2024

Irish social media users have commented on the news online.

One X user wrote, "Name and shame so we here in Ireland can make an example of them when they get back home. Disgraceful."

Another wrote, "Well done lads. Good to see the Irish diaspora making something of themselves."

Another commented, "When the Australian government say they are going to send a message, you can be assured that they will do exactly that. These lads, if found guilty, are going to go down for a very very long time."

Others wondered why the Irishmen will be deported to the UK and not to Ireland. 

One X user wrote, "If they are Irish nationals, why is your reporter saying they will be deported to the UK? Just in case you don’t know, Ireland is not part of the UK!"

Another commented, "If they are being deported to the UK and hold British citizenship then they are UK nationals."