Appeal as shops in Laois and Offaly targeted in robberies

Gardaí are appealing for information following attempted robberies of shops in Laois and Offaly on Friday afternoon. 

The first incident occurred at the Post Office on the Main Street in Daingean, Co Offaly at around 2.45pm when a man walked into the shop, approached the counter and demanded money. The man threatened to produce a weapon but no weapon was visible. 

Gardai described the man as being in his late 20s or early 30s. He was wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and a black jacket. The man was wearing a black peaked cap and sunglasses and he spoke with a Dublin accent. 

“A second male was standing at the door. He was taller, thin, wearing a peaked cap, sunglasses and a distinctive high visibility jacket,” Gardai said.

“Both fled the Post Office in Daingean on foot in the direction of Edenderry,” Gardaí said.  

Gardai said an hour later there was an attempted robbery of a shop on French Church Street in Portarlington, Co Laois on Friday, March 20 at 3.50pm. 

“A male and a female entered the shop. The female stood at the door and the male approached the counter and demanded money.” Gardaí said. 

Gardai said the man threatened to produce a weapon but failed to do so and then left the shop empty handed. The man and woman left on foot in the direction of Edenderry. 

Investigating Gardai said nothing was taken in either attempted robbery. They believe the two attempted robberies are connected and are appealing for information. 

They are appealing for witnesses of anyone who has dashcam or CCTV footage from either location to contact them at Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 867 4100, Portarlington Garda Station on 057 862 3112 or at Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600.