Rifles stolen in raid on house
GARDAI have urged the owners of licensed firearms across north Cork to take extra care to ensure their weapons are safe following the theft of two guns in Glanworth last weekend.
The theft of the rifles last Sunday night follows recent robberies in Mallow, Conna and Castle Lyons in which licensed firearms including shotguns were stolen.
The most recent theft was discovered after gardai responded to a call at a house at Ballinroe, Glanworth last Sunday night.
The occupants of the house were watching the television in their upstairs bedroom at approximately 9.30pm when two men carrying flashlamps entered the room.
A garda spokesman said "we believe the intruders entered the house through the front door and obviously did not realise that the occupants were at home".
The intruders fled outside to a green or dark coloured saloon car that dove off in the direction of Ballyhooley. One of the raiders was described as being in his late 30s with a chubby face and wearing dark clothing.
As gardai conducted house-to-house investigations in the locality they discovered that a nearby house, which was unoccupied at the time, has also been burgled. A gun safe in the house had been forced open using a rock and two .22 calibre, bolt-action rifles were stolen. The guns were manufactured by Tikka and Voere respectively.
"We believe that the two incidents are linked and would appeal for anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the Glanworth area between 9pm and 10pm last Sunday evening to contact us in Fermoy on 025 82100", said the garda spokesman.
Sgt John Kelly, crime prevention officer for the North Cork Garda Division, urged gun owners across the region to take extra care in the handling and storage of their weapons.
"The key thing is that all firearms are stored in a suitable safe box that is securely bolted to a solid wall. People should also ensure that the gun cabinet is not visible through a window and, if possible, hidden within or behind a cupboard. The owners of bolt action rifles should also remove the bolt and store it in a safe place, away from the gun," said Sgt Kelly.
"Obviously we are concerned when weapons are stolen as there is always a serious concern about what they will be used for," he added
- BILL BROWNE bbrowne@corkman.ie
