This article is from page 10 of the 2014-07-01 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
INVESTIGATIONS are continuing into the latest smash and grab raid on a business in Ennis town centre.
The latest break in occurred at around 3am on Wednesday morning when two men used a sledgehammer to break through a glass door panel at Ennis Electrical on Parnell Street.
High value good estimated to be worth € 20,000 were stolen before the gang made their escape in a silver car.
A vehicle was later found burnt out near the Ballyhannon area of Quin. Gardaí are investigating if the car is linked to the break in.
A senior garda said yesterday no one has yet been arrested but investigations are continuing.
He also denied suggestions that Ennis is being targeted by criminals, pointing to a spate of similar smash and grab raids against businesses in Clonmel, Charleville and Limerick.
Gardaí are also examining the similarities between the latest break in and another smash and grab raid at a pharmacy in Ennis two months ago.
In May, Cassidy’s Pharmacy in En- nis was the scene of a raid occurred at around 2.30am.
Two raiders, believed to be males, used a sledgehammer to smash in the reinforced glass panelling on the front door of the premises.
The thieves filled bags with stock, mainly brand name men’s fragrances and cleared several shelves before leaving the scene in a black Volkswagon Golf.
The incidents have sparked concern among businesses in the town.
Clare Labour TD Michael McNamara said, “This incident is the latest in a series of similar break ins in the town and these robberies are a challenge to the Gardaí as well as to business owners and employees.
“They are not just an attack of property but potentially on the livelihoods of people who work in the town centre.
“Ennis has an enviable reputation as a friendly town that welcomes visitors from near and far.
“Break ins and anti-social behaviour cannot be allowed to damage this reputation or the business life of the town which needs all the support it can get in these difficult economic times,” Mr McNamara added.