Action demanded on car break-ins

A GROUP of kite surfing enthusiasts are demanding urgent action after a series of break-ins to their cars at Dollymount and Burrow beaches.

Nicola Murphy, secretary of the Irish Kite Surfing Association (IKSA), said that over the last 12 months

“countless

? numbers of vehicles were broken into with serious damage caused.

The most recent incidents, confirmed to Northside People by the gardai, occurred on October 12 and 13 at Burrow and Dollymount beaches respectively.

“Despite all incidents being reported to the gardai and every possible precaution taken by the individuals themselves, the regularity of this activity has been increasing at a rapid rate over the last three months,

? Ms Murphy said.

“On the weekend of October 12 and 13 alone, three cars belonging to kite surfers were broken into, with windows smashed, locks broken and various items taken.

“These incidents occurred despite additional Garda presence, as requested by the Irish Kite Surfing Association, to cover an event on Sutton beach on October 12.

“We are very concerned about this trend. All of the incidents have occurred in broad daylight while we are out on the water or packing up our gear.

“It is clear that someone is targeting the kite surfing community at specific beaches and at specific times.

?

Ms Murphy called for more support to tackle the problem.

“We feel that increasing police patrols at vulnerable times might help in the short-term but we would like a long-term preventative plan put in place by the councils such as security cameras,

? she said.

Ms Murphy said there have been a couple of incidents on Dollymount beach this year where the kite surfing community has helped tourists who have also fallen victim to these crimes.

“It is an embarrassment that tourists, families and recreational beach users can no longer safely use their local amenities,

? she added.

Meanwhile, Orla Doogue, a local beach user, told Northside People that her friends were victims of a break-in at Dollymount Beach on October 13.

“When I arrived down to the beach my two friends were walking around the car park in that dazed way, on the phone, after returning to their car with its window and their handbags gone,

? she said.

“The sand marks on the beach would indicate that the thieves pulled up alongside tight, cut the rubber window seal out so no broken glass anywhere or no alarm set off, robbed the contents of the van and sped off.

“Dollymount is a great facility that we have access to all year round but incidents like this are putting people off.

?

A spokesperson for the Garda Press Office told Northside People:

“Gardaí are investigating a break-in to a car at Burrow Road on October 12.

“The window of a car was broken and the glove box opened. However, nothing was stolen.

“On October 13 there were two further incidents at Dollymount. Two cars were broken into and property stolen.

?

Clontarf ward councillor Damian O’Farrell (Ind) said the problem at Dollymount was severely affecting people’s enjoyment of the beach.

“I’ve tabled this matter for action at the October meeting of the Joint Policing Committee (JPC), where local public representatives meet with senior gardai to discuss policing matters in the area,

? said Cllr O’Farrell.

“I certainly feel that anti-social behavior, including theft, has markedly increased over the last three years as Government cutbacks have severely curtailed Garda resources in the city. My colleague Finian McGrath TD (Ind) is raising this matter with the Minister of Justice.

?

Clontarf ward councillor Naoise Ã? Muirí (FG) has called for an urgent meeting of Dublin City Council, An Garda Siochana, kite surfing representatives and Clontarf Residents’ Association to tackle the issue head-on.

“It is not like it is happening in the middle of the night – these are daytime

‘smash-and-grab’ raids, potentially in plain view of many beach users,

? said Cllr Ã? Muirí.

“There are many options that can be considered including targeted signage, increased Garda

patrolling/surveillance, CCTV at entry/exit points and increased awareness amongst local residents.

“We need to take the right measures now to stamp out petty theft on Dollymount and ensure it remains a superb amenity enjoyed by all.

?

A spokeswoman for Dublin City Council told Northside People that its Parks Department have been made aware of the issue of cars being broken into at Dollymount.

“All such incidents are referred to An Gardaí Síochána,

? she said.