Independent TD, Michael Fitzmaurice, has spoken out following a “violent” burglary at a premises in Ballintober, Co. Roscommon in the early hours of Monday morning, August 22nd, 2022.
The incident occurred at a business premises in the Ashpark area when a number of males entered the premises.
One man (aged in his 60s) sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident but did not require medical attention, a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána told That’s Farming.
According to Gardaí, the suspected offenders fled the scene with a sum of cash.
Burglary in Ballintober
Independent TD for Roscommon-Galway, Michael Fitzmaurice, reported that a woman in her 90s and her adult sons were held hostage and threatened while their business and home were ransacked.
He said it has been reported a 94-year-old woman and her sons were held hostage in one room while a gang of men ransacked the rest of the property.
The culprits made off with a small amount of cash and some jewellery.
He said “brutal and traumatic” crimes such as this are rare, but that is “little” consolation to the victims and the extended community.
He added that Ballintuber is a “quiet and peaceful” village home to a close-knit community that “takes” pride in its locality.
“The perpetrators of this heinous crime must be brought to justice. No stone should be left unturned in the investigation to identify these thugs.”
He said it is the isolated nature of rural communities which, in general, makes them safe. But this isolation, he added, can also make these communities targets for crimes of this nature.
Investigation
He continued: “I know that the people who were victimized in this attack will have the support of a strong community as they recover from this traumatic incident.”
“But it is of paramount importance that the thugs who have struck fear into the heart of this community are apprehended and made an example of.
“Long be for the days when the local Gardai, who were stationed in every small town and village, knew the good from the bad. As part of the community, they were fully invested in solving crimes such as this.”
“With all the technology and resources available to law enforcement today, we must have faith in the Gardai to investigate this crime and bring the culprits to justice. I know that Castlerea Gardai will leave no stone unturned in their investigation.”
“Anyone with any information should come forward to Gardai. While what has been done cannot be undone, if justice is served, it might help bring some closure to the victims and the community,” he concluded.
Statement from Gardaí
In a statement to That’s Farming, a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána,
“Gardaí in Castlerea are appealing for witnesses following an aggravated burglary at a premises in Ballintober, Co. Roscommon that occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, August 22nd, 2022.”
“The incident occurred at a business premises in the Ashpark area of Ballintober, Co. Roscommon, when a number of males entered the premises.”
“One man (aged in his 60s) was injured during the incident. He did not require medical attention, and his injuries are non-life threatening.
The suspected offenders fled the scene with a sum of cash.”
“Gardaí in Castlerea are appealing to any person who was in the area of Ashpark, Ballintober between 10.30 pm on Sunday, 21st August 2022 and 12.30 am on Monday, 22nd August 2022 to contact them.”
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Castlerea Garda Station on 094 962 1630 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.
Investigations are ongoing,” the spokesperson concluded.
Other news articles on That’s Farming:
Fine for failing to stop at school warden sign to double to €180
