Two arrested after beechpark crime spree

Two juveniles were arrested yesterday in relation to a crime spree in the Beechpark area over the weekend.

The two young males, who are both under 18, were questioned in Athlone Garda Station before being released without charge later that day. A file will now be prepared for the DPP.

In one particularly serious incident, an intruder wielding a stick was challenged by a householder a garden of a house in Beechpark after the man heard noises at the back of his home. He confronted the culprit and was hit over the head with a stick.

Luckily, the young householder received only minor injuries as a result of the confrontation before the culprit fled the scene. However, it has heightened fears for people living in the long established area that malicious crime is getting out of control.

It was just one of a large number of incidents in the usually quiet Coosan estate over the weekend. In all, seven properties were broken into since Friday and two cars were damaged, one of which was burned, while there was an attempt made to burn two other vehicles.

Electronic items were taken from another house burgled over the weekend, while there were a number of attempted break-ins in other homes where gates or doors were interfered with and damaged.

Gardai are appealing for anyone who noticed anyone acting suspiciously in the Beechpark or Beechpark West areas over the weekend, or anyone who can assist their investigation to get in touch 090 6492609.

Separately, gardai are looking for public assistance after a car was stolen following a house burglary in the Retreat area of Athlone overnight between Monday and Tuesday last. The vehicle, a black 2010 registered Audi A4, was observed travelling in several areas of Athlone yesterday (Tuesday). It was later found abandoned undamaged in Retreat Road.

Anyone who noticed the vehicle or its occupants travelling around the town is urged to call gardai in confidence 090 6492609.