GARDAÍ are asking for the public’s help in tracking down a balaclava-clad gang who stole a car and went on a speeding rampage around Limerick last week, putting lives in danger.
The individuals tried three times to steal other cars but were unsuccessful, Gardaí have confirmed.
A blue Toyota Aqua with a 152 Clare registration was stolen from Glenina Housing Estate, Gort Road, in Ennis, County Clare, between 10pm on Wednesday April 10 and 7.20am the following morning.
Henry Street Gardaí encountered the car driving recklessly inbound on the Dublin Road in Limerick at 7.40pm on April 11.
According to Garda John Finnerty, “there were a number of occupants in the car. All were wearing balaclavas. The car drove at speed in and around the Garyowen area, onto Mulgrave Street, Childers Road, Roxboro Road, and back around the Milk Market area. The car failed to stop for my colleagues.”
The following day, the car showed up in Tipperary Town at 4.30pm. Garda Finnerty said the driver and his co-offenders attempted to steal a Silver Toyota Aqua but failed.
The car was later seen on the Limerick Road in Tipperary Town at 4.45pm when it stopped outside a supermarket where the occupants attempted to steal a second car and failed again – this time a black Toyota Vitz.
At 5pm, the occupants attempted to steal a third car, a silver Toyota Aqua. They tried this car at An Duiche in Tipperary Town but didn’t manage it.
Garda Finnerty said the gang took the car back to Limerick, where they were seen driving recklessly in a number of locations.
The car was finally abandoned at St Laurence’s Park in Garyowen at 6.55pm.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have encountered the car between April 10 and 12 to contact Henry Street Garda Station on 061 212 400.
