€10,000 stolen from Dowra Mart - Alleged members of crime gang arrested in Leitrim

A Co. Kildare man and two juveniles appeared before Carrick-on-Shannon District Court on February 24 as part of an ongoing Garda investigation into organised burglary gangs operating across the north-west.

The males had been arrested in connection with investigations into burglary, theft and organised criminal activity in Counties Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim, Roscommon and Cavan.

James Lynch (44), of Our Lady’s Place, Naas, Co. Kildare, was charged with three counts of burglary, three counts of theft, and one count of participating in and facilitating organised crime.

Barrister Kathleen Henry, instructed on behalf of Mr Lynch, appeared in court on his behalf.

The two juveniles, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also appeared before the court in connection with the investigation.

One juvenile was charged with two counts of burglary, three counts of theft, and one count of participating in organised criminal activity.

The second juvenile was charged with three counts of burglary, seven counts of theft, and one count of participating in organised criminal activity. 

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One of the alleged incidents involved the theft of a safe containing approximately €10,000 from Dowra Mart in Sligo. An alleged attempted theft at Lissadell House was also referenced during proceedings.

Detective Sergeant Ray Mulderry said it will be alleged the defendants were “active participants” in the offences.

He said gardai believe an orgainsed group has been operating since the beginning of the year and has been active across counties in the north-west.

“This is part of our approach to dealing with groups who come into counties and engage in crimes of this nature,” he said.

“We treat them as organised crime gangs and investigate them and prosecute them as such.”

Detective Sergeant Mulderry said the investigation had identified the group as being involved in multiple incidents and that Gardaí were reacting as part of efforts to disrupt organised criminal activity.

Mr Lynch, who was remanded in custody, is due to appear again before Sligo District Court on Thursday, February 26.

The two juveniles were also remanded in custody.