Brothers used modified cars to steal tools from building sites

By Jessica Magee

Two brothers have been jailed for three years on charges related to organised crime involving the use of modified cars to steal tools from building sites.

Martin Collins (42) and his younger brother Michael (33) were part of the Collins’ organised crime group, whose modus operandi was to buy people-carriers, blacken the windows and remove the back seats in order to conceal stolen property, a court has heard.

Both brothers pleaded guilty to a series of charges committed between March and August 2020, including possessing a car with the intention of using it to commit theft at Barclay Court, Blackrock, on March 23 that year.

Both also pleaded guilty to participating in activities related to organised crime, while Martin Collins admitted possessing plant equipment worth €5,080 stolen from Irish Rail on August 19, 2020 in Dunboyne, Co Meath.

The stolen equipment included a leaf-blower, an Alpha mixer and an Atlas Trench Whacker used to compact ground material, the court heard.

At a sitting of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Thursday, Judge Martin Nolan said the Collins brothers had “spotted an opportunity in the criminal market” and were stealing from unoccupied building sites.

“As criminal organisations go, it’s primitive but very effective. There’s a good market out there for these kind of tools,” said Judge Nolan.

Judge Nolan noted that he had previously sentenced both brothers to 16 months in prison in 2021 for similar offences without the organised crime element.

The judge said both Martin and Michael Collins have done quite well since serving their sentences and seem to have “copped on” but that there was “a chance” that they would reoffend.

He set a headline sentence of four and a half years but deducted 18 months, leaving them with an effective prison term of three years.

Detective Sergeant Leo Clayton told Laura Cunningham BL, prosecuting, that he was part of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, tasked with targeting criminal organisations involved in burglary, under Operation Thor.

Sgt Clayton described the crime group as a familial-based organisation, who would buy people-carrying-type cars, take out the seats and paint the rear windows. They travel three or four to a vehicle and wear construction-type clothing to blend in on sites, the court heard.

Martin Collins has an address at Woodford Drive, Clondalkin while his brother Michael lives in Pearse House on Pearse Street, Dublin 2.

During the first offence on March 23, 2020, Michael Collins was spotted driving an adapted Ford vehicle with Martin as the front seat passenger. When stopped by gardaí, a bolt cutter was found secreted under the bonnet.

In July of that year, the brothers bought a Ford S-Max in County Meath and registered it to a false name at an address on Connolly Avenue in Dublin.

The brothers also purchased a Kia Sportage and a Ford Galaxy which were adapted and used in thefts.

The court heard that in September 2019, gardaí stopped a car at DCU in Glasnevin and observed Martin Collins lying on top of €10,000 worth of stolen tools in the back. This offence formed part of the case leading to the previous sentence of 16 months for both brothers.

Martin Collins has 29 previous convictions including theft, handling of stolen property and public order offences.

Michael Collins has 14 previous, of which eight are for theft offences.

Gardaí had a proactive investigation underway by the time they arrested Martin Collins on August 19 and Michael Collins on August 31, 2020.

John Byrne SC, defending Martin Collins, said his client has been married for 23 years and has five children.

The court heard that Martin Collins is very actively involved in Drimnagh Boxing Club where he supports his child who boxes at a high level.

A letter from the boxing club testifies how valuable Martin has been in supporting their activities.

A psychological report submitted to court says that Martin has mental health difficulties and is not considered to be high-functioning intellectually.

His wife also suffers from mental health problems.

There is no suggestion of any trappings of wealth in the family, the court heard.

A letter from Martin Collins’ caseworker said he has “applied himself to sobriety and disengaged from all criminal activities”.

Garnett Orange SC, defending Michael Collins, says his client has also addressed his substance abuse issues and is engaging with treatment centres and getting support around training, education and addiction.

Michael is not a violent offender and goes out of his way to avoid confrontation, counsel said.

He volunteers with the Liberty Soup Run charity and is “very much a family man” who works hard at being a good father, the court heard.

Counsel submitted a number of testimonials for both men, including handwritten letters from family members speaking highly of them.