Opportunistic 'outside' gangs targeting Mayo convenience stores

Opportunist criminals from outside the region have been responsible for a recent spate of burglaries at convenience stores and private residences in recent weeks.

That's according to Garda Superintendent for South Mayo, Gabriel Moran.

Speaking at a meeting of the county's Joint Policing Committee, he said these crimes are linked to "travelling gangs" who hit a target and move on.

"While crime levels generally are stable, those issues are a matter of concern for us while the rise in shoplifting is another.”

Garda Superintendent for North Mayo, Gary Walsh, said there were four burglaries at convenience stores in his area over the past number of weeks.

"The criminals involved are looking for cash, mostly. We have escalated our patrols to counteract this problem," he added.

Detective Sergeant Tom Colsh outlined the number of recorded buglaries in the Mayo/Roscommon/Longford Division was 39 for the first three months of 2023, a rise of seven when compared to the same period last year.

The number of thefts from shops had almost doubled from 32 to 64 during the same period in question.

"We arrested 10 serial offenders and they will come before the courts. We'll putting a lot of work into this area," he added.