Garda issue detailed appeal over Laois farm burglary

Portlaoise Gardai are appealing for information in relation to a burglary at a farm in Laois in January. 

A jeep and a large selection of tools were taken in the burglary which featured on an episode of RTE’s Crimecall on February 27.  

Gardaí in Portlaoise say the burglary and theft of a vehicle occurred between Monday, January 9 at 6:30pm and 8:30am on Tuesday, January 10.  

“During the course of the burglary, at a property in Straboe, Co. Laois, keys to vehicle a Toyota Land Cruiser, registration 05-KE-239, metallic blue, long wheel base, were obtained and the vehicle driven away.  A number of power tools were also taken from the injured party’s workshop,” Gardai said. 

“Gardaí in Tullamore responding to another incident on 13th January 2023 shortly after 00:25, subsequently discovered the Toyota Land Cruiser 05-KE-239.  It had been badly damaged.  Two men were seen running away from the vehicle in the direction of the Srah Road,” Gardai added.    

Items taken during the burglary included  an Evolution magnetic drill for drilling steel worth €450,  a four piece BOSCH battery tool set in a BOSCH canvas bag worth €1,400 and  a Yarmar diesel power washer. It had a hose reel and an electric push button to start valued at €4,000 There were also spanners, hammers and drill bits taken during the burglary. 

Gardai are looking for information in relation to the burglary. They are keen to talk to anyone who was in the Straboe area on the evening of Monday, January 9 and may have seen a vehicle matching the description.

They are looking to speak with anyone who has been offered any of the items taken during the burglary. 

“When the car was recovered it was extensively damaged and the registration plates were missing. Did you see this vehicle between the 9th January and the 13th January 2023? It may have been parked during that time and would have been noticeable by the amount of damage. Do you have any information on the registration plates?” Gardai asked. 

Watch: Crimecall appeal over burglary at Laois farm

A jeep and tools valued at over €9,500 were stolen in the burglary on Monday, January 9, 2020. The jeep was discovered in a badly damaged state in Tullamore, Co Offaly four days later.  

“Have you any dash cam footage to help track the whereabouts and movements of this vehicle between these dates? Did you see two people acting suspiciously at the Srah Road / Rahan Road area of Tullamore in the early hours of the 13th January 2023,” Gardai asked. 

Anyone with any information can contact Gardaí at Portlaoise Garda Station on 057-8674100.