Gardaí renew burglary warnings as darker evenings return

Michael Walsh says the loss of his cousin, 75-year-old retired farmer Tom Niland in west Sligo, is still deeply felt following his death in September 2023.

Mr Niland spent the final 20 months of his life in hospital after he was subjected to a brutal attack and robbery at his home in west Sligo in January 2021.

"It was a terrible shock that something like that would happen in this area, and to somebody like Tom," Mr Walsh told RTÉ News.

"He had no brothers or sisters, so we were his extended family. We always felt that we needed to include Tom. He was like a brother," he added.

A retired farmer who lived alone in the parish of Skreen, Mr Niland was remembered as a quiet, friendly, gentleman - the ordeal that he endured is still felt by his cousin.

"You'll never be the same again after seeing something that that," Mr Wash said.

Looking back on the investigation and prosecution, Mr Walsh spoke warmly of the investigating officers, saying they had "gone above and beyond the call of duty".

One year has passed since three men with 106 previous convictions between them were sentenced to a combined 43 years in prison for manslaughter.

Long term decrease in residential burglaries

Those prosecutions reflect the success of 'Operation Thor,’ a seasonal garda operation introduced in 2015 to target repeat offenders and organised criminal gangs.

Following its introduction, recorded residential burglaries fell from 12,600 in the first nine months of 2015 to fewer than 3,500 in the same period this year.

Detective Superintendent Barry Doyle of the Sligo Leitrim division attributes the success of ‘Operation Thor’ to crime prevention and increased community awareness.

He said information provided by the public had played an important role in the apprehension of the Connors Organised Crime Group.

The Dublin-based group, described by gardaí as a "prolific burglary gang", targeted rural communities across the western seaboard, away from larger population centres.

Three members of that gang received prison sentences totalling 18 years at Sligo Circuit Court in April and Longford Circuit Courts in July, this year.

Reporting led to arrests

Following a planned intelligence-led operation in November 2024, three members of the gang were intercepted driving a car in Kildare, having committed burglaries in Galway and Mayo.

Items found in that car included false registration plates, a communications signal blocking device, vehicle refuelling kits and cleaning chemicals.

Jewellery stolen in a burglary at a house in Galway was also recovered, along with a telescopic ladder, gloves, torches, a pry bar and pliers.

"One of the key successes from that operation was people being vigilant and reporting suspicious activity, that led us to the apprehension of these individuals," Det Supt Doyle said.

He notes that there has been "a significant reduction in the amount of burglaries", across the north western region, since that gang’s apprehension.

Det Supt Doyle said one of the key messages for the public is "to report matters."

He said those reports, whether it’s a call to 999, 112 or the local garda station provide a head start in targeting suspicious activity and identifying those carrying out burglaries.

Windows and doors unsecured in 24% of burglaries

Assistant Commissioner for Organised and Serious Crime Angela Willis said the long-term reduction of burglary reflects the work of personnel across the country.

She said darker winter months traditionally bring an increased risk, as she encouraged people to take simple precautions, particularly ensuring that doors and windows are properly secured.

Entry through an unsecured door occurred in 24% of residential burglary incidents during last three winter phases of Operation Thor.

Garda data also indicates that jewellery and accessories account for the highest volume of items stolen with rings, watches and necklaces the most common, followed by tools, hardware and cash.

'It goes through your mind every time'

Chair of the Irish Farmers Association Sligo Livestock Committee Trevor Boland said advice to members is to "light up and lock up" in the evenings - a message that carries widely.

Chair of the Irish Farmers Association Sligo Livestock Committee Trevor Boland has advised members to "light up and lock up" during dark evenings – a message that carries widely.

"Other simple things that people can do is not answering the door to bogus traders… and if you're suspicious of vehicles around the area, report it to the gardaí," he said.

Behind the offences are experiences of families and relatives. In Michael Walsh’s case, he reminded of it almost daily.

"He (Tom) didn't expect it at all. It would be the last thing on his mind. I meet lots of people, and they still talk about it… you just have to be alert.

"Tom's house is just down the road. I pass it nearly every day or every second day, and you just can't help it, but it goes through your mind every time," he said.