Mountcharles businesses and homes targeted in spate of burglaries

The theft of a large quantity of tools and car diagnostic equipment from a Mountcharles business has been devastating for the owners. 

This burglary was one of several to have taken place in the area on August 11 and 12.

A spokesperson for Jordan Motorworx in Drumconnor, Mountcharles said: “Two men entered our premises at approximately 1am last night and helped themselves to all of our diagnostic equipment, power tools, batteries, chargers and a lot of expensive Snap-on hand tools. 

“Among the stolen items there are two diagnostic scanners, a Snap-on Apollo D9 and a Topdon Phoenix Smart and an Autel TPMS diagnostic handheld tablet. For those who aren't aware, these are quite expensive machines. 

“All Snap On hand tools are green and black in colour. Also taken were a lot of Milwaukee impacts and Dewalt grinder and impacts.

“If anyone has any information regarding whereabouts or is offered said equipment or tools could you get in contact with us please.

“Please share nationwide to make these too hot to handle as they are all high end equipment.”

Gardaí are investigating the incident which occurred between 1pm on Sunday, August 11 and 8.30am on Monday, August 12. 

A spokesperson said: “Damage was caused to the rear door of the building and entry was gained. A large quantity of tools and car diagnostic equipment was stolen from the premises. A list of exactly what was stolen is being compiled. 

“Should anybody come across a large amount of tools or car diagnostic equipment for sale on a second hand basis we ask them to alert Gardaí.”

Anyone who may have observed any type of suspicious activity or vehicles in the area between those times is asked to contact gardaí in Ballyshannon on 071 9858530. Any relevant information may alternatively be passed to the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111. 

Ballyshannon gardaí are investigating two further burglaries in the area. 

At approximately 12.35am on Monday, August 12, tools were stolen from a car breakers premises in Drumconnor, Mountcharles. Items that were stolen include two Milwaukee grinders, a Milwaukee Impact wrench, two Milwaukee batteries and a Milwaukee SBS hammer action drill. 

A garda spokesperson said: “If anybody travelled in that area or within the general area of Mountcharles between Midnight and 1.30am, or at any stage that morning, with a dash-cam, we ask them to make contact with us. 

“Should anybody come across these types of tools for sale on a second hand basis or if they have any relevant information we ask them to contact Gardaí in Ballyshannon on 071 9858530.” 

Gardaí are also investigating the theft of a quad bike from a shed in the area of Drumconnor, Mountcharles between 1.30pm on Sunday, August 11 and 9.30am on Monday, August 12. 

The quad had been removed from the shed and abandoned a short distance away. The ignition barrel had been removed from it. 

“Again, we appeal to anybody who may have observed suspicious activity in the area of Drumconnor, Mountcharles between those times to make contact with Gardaí in Ballyshannon on 071 9858530 ,” said the spokesperson.

“In light of the above incidents and the fact that the nights will soon start to close in a bit earlier, we wish to advise home and business owners in all areas to review their security measures.”

Gardaí are advising people to take the following steps:

-Secure garages and outbuildings with proper locking mechanisms. Secure the windows/ doors at your home.

-Review perimeter lighting and upgrade where necessary. Lighting is an effective deterrent to the criminally minded.

-Check on older neighbours and people who live alone.

-Be vigilant for the movement of cars and vans in rural areas particularly during the hours of darkness.

-Report any activity that appears suspicious immediately to your local 24/7 Garda District Headquarters Station.

-Do not keep large amounts of cash at home. Take note of serial numbers of any expensive equipment and machinery and photograph them and any valuables you have such as jewellery and electronics. Keep the photographs and serial numbers in a safe place. 

Donegal’s Local District Headquarters 24-hour Garda Stations are Letterkenny 074 9167100, Buncrana 074 9320540, Milford 074 9153060 and Ballyshannon 071 9858530.