This article is from page 23 of the 2013-02-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 23 JPG
GARDAÍ are appealing for information following an armed raid on an off-license in Kilkee last week.
A man carrying a knife entered the Next Door off-license, O’Curry Street, Kilkee on Monday, February 11. He threatened the lone member of staff to hand over the money.
Gardaí say he smashed a bottle of wine during the robbery in an effort to intimidate the staff.
He took the contents of the till and fled on foot. The incident occurred between 9.35pm and 9.45pm.
The man left the shop and turned left, staying on the left side of O’Curry Street and then onto Circular Road.
A garda spokesperson stated, “We are appealing for witnesses and any information concerning this robbery.”
Kilrush gardaí are investigating the matter. Kilrush Garda station can be contacted at 065 9080550.
Mayor of Kilkee, Cllr Claire Haugh (FF) said the incident has shocked residents of the quiet seaside town.
“We are all appalled. Our thoughts go out to the person who was working in the off-license on the night and was subjected to that horrific incident.
“It’s deplorable that, in this day and age, someone can go into a shop and threaten someone who is doing a day’s work. Kilkee is a lovely, quiet town. It’s a safe town. But unfortunately that didn’t apply last Monday night.”
Ms Haugh added, “At the end of the day, the fact that the person wasn’t hurt or injured is the only good thing that can be said.”
Ms Haugh believes the incident could have implications for the way businesses in rural areas operate.
“If you have a garage or a shop then something like this would make you think twice about opening late. It is horrendous that, in this country, if you are a business open at night, you can’t open in the comfort of knowing you are safe.”
Ms Haugh added, “You hear about things like this happening around the country but when it happens in your own town and to people you know, it’s a different story.”