This article is from page 12 of the 2009-08-04 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
A 77-YEAR-OLD man was tied up in his home in west Clare in the early hours of last Wednesday morning by two men who ransacked his house, before getting away with just €68. The pensioner, who lives alone at Clonakilla close to the village of Ballynacally, was not seriously in- jured in the incident although his wrists were cut by the rope used to
tie him up.
The man managed to break free and raise the alarm.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight. However, the suspects had fled the scene by the time gardai ar- TU AMoreb
Patrol cars from Ennis and Kilrush were sent to the scene.
Gardai are looking for two men who are believed to have been trav- elling in a car. However, no details
about the vehicle were available.
Investigating officers are still trying to the establish all the circumstances of the incident but say the pensioner was unhurt apart from rope burns on his wrists.
It is known, however, that the victim was visited and examined by a doctor some hours after his ordeal.
Gardai are also investigating two similar incidents just a few miles
away, near Kildysart.
The homes of an elderly woman, who also lived on her own, and a young couple were also broken into.
Both incidents occurred in the Sha- nacoole area of Kildysart.
It is not thought the thieves got away with any valuables in those incidents while the occupants are not believed to have been harmed.
A garda spokesperson confirmed that they are keeping an open mind
about whether the incidents are con- nected and are seeking the public’s help in their investigation.
In the wake of the attacks, gardai have asked people to be vigilant and to report anything suspicious in their area.
They have also asked that people keep an eye on elderly neighbours, particularly those who live alone.
Kilrush garda station can be con- tacted at (065) 9080550.