Laois shopkeeper praises staff member after robbery
Gardaí are appealing for information in relation to the robbery in Portlaoise on Monday morning
Portlaoise Gardaí are reviewing CCTV and have issued an appeal following the robbery of a shop in the town on Monday morning.
They are seeking witnesses and dashcam footage relating to the incident which occurred at Bracken’s Maxol Service Station on the Stradbally/Block Road between 7 and 8am.
Kevin Bracken praised the staff member who was behind the counter when the robbery took place. He said she had done exactly what she was supposed to do and that gardaí had responded quickly. “She was very good. She did the right thing,” he said.
The man entered the shop and threatened staff and claimed to have an implement in his pocket. He got behind the counter but couldn’t access any cash and made off with some cigarettes. The man left in the direction of Portlaoise.
“We have a cashguard till which means staff have no access to cash,” Mr Bracken explained.
“He came in behind the counter, tried to get access, grabbed three packets of cigarettes,” he said.
Mr Bracken said the incident was over very quickly because staff at the shop have no access to cash. He said CCTV of the incident has now been handed over to investigating gardai.
Gardaí issued an appeal on social media. They said “Portlaoise Gardaí are appealing for dash cam footage or witnesses in relation to a robbery that occurred on Monday morning, 21st July 2025, between 7 am and 8 am on the Stradbally Road / Block Road area of Portlaoise.”
Gardaí are particularly interested in sightings of a lone male who was dressed in all black with white runners and a black hoodie.
READ ALSO: Renewed appeal over missing Laois boy
They said the man was seen loitering near the roundabout at Block Road/Stradbally Road before the incident on Monday morning.
“If you were driving in the area during that time or have relevant dash cam footage, please contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 8674100 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence,” Gardai said.