Witnesses appeal after raiders target bank in Kingscourt

Gardai are appealing for witnesses following an armed bank robbery at the Bank of Ireland branch in Kingscourt at 11.30am last Friday morning. Staff members and customers were left traumatised after two men, who were armed with handguns, entered the bank at 11.36am, held up staff and made off with a five figure sum of cash, believed to be in the low thousands. No-one was injured and no shots were fired. The men were wearing balaclavas and Gardai believe they are probably from the east Cavan/north Meath area. They left the scene in a Toyota Corolla car and, when their way was blocked, they crossed over to the wrong side of the road and drove out of town in the direction of Nobber. Gardai say there could easily have been an accident as there was oncoming traffic and cyclists in the immediate area. Gardai are appealing to the public for assistance in tracing the dark-coloured Toyota Corolla car seen in the vicinity of Kingscourt, Nobber and Moynalty between 10am and 12 noon with the registration number 03 LH 1793. It is understood that the occupants of this vehicle were wearing dark clothing. The vehicle was later found burnt out by Gardai at Liskea, just inside the Meath border. It is understood that the men were in the Kingscourt area earlier that morning and Gardai are appealing to anyone who noticed suspicous activity in the town that morning ot contact them. Investigations are ongoing and CCTV footage is being examined. No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Gardai at Baileboro (042) 966 5102, or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111. Meanwhile, Gardai in Nobber are investigating a burglary at Callaghan's Shop, Drumconrath, in the early hours of Friday morning. The break-in occurred between 3am and 4am and it is understood that four to five men were seen entering the shop. Their faces were covered and property was stolen from the premises by the gang. The Sally Gardens pub, Slane, was broken into in the early hours of Thursday morning after two men forced a window of the premises. A till and some envelopes were taken. The men fled the scene but Gardai arrested one man after searching a nearby field. It is understood that the property was recovered. One man has been charged and was brought before Trim Court last Thursday. In the early hours of last Saturday morning, ten cars were broken into in two Trim estates where various items were taken, including three airbag mechanisms. Eight cars were targeted in Lackanash and two in Hamilton Place between 1am and 4am on 26th June. Other items taken included laptops, iPods, sat-navs, sunglasses and stereos. Gardai have ruled out opportunists and have said that a certain level of expertise was involved. The total value of the property taken was in the region of €3,000. Some cars were broken into but nothing was taken. Two males were seen walking away from the area at the time and Gardai are appealing for anyone who noticed anything suspicious to contact them. Most of the vehicles have been technically examined and CCTV in the area is also being examined. Summerhill Gardai are investigating the theft of a brown Gucci handbag from a house at Summerhill Close during a break-in between midnight and 2am on 24th June. The house was unoccupied at the time. The bag contained a gold wedding band, silver iPod, a Gameboy and some cash. Kilmessan Gardai are investigating the theft of a scrambler motorbike from a shed at Marshallstown, Kilmessan, between 2.30pm and 4pm on Monday afternoon. The shed was broken into at the rear of the house and a white and red Honda CBR 125cc scrambler was taken. A silver or gold Isuzu Crew Cab was seen on CCTV and Gardai are appealing to anyone who noticed this vehicle in the area to contact them as it is believed it may be connected. Meanwhile, four wheels were stolen from a 03 D-registered Ford Transit Eircom van that was parked at Johnstown, Enfield, overnight on 27th-28th June. The vehicle was parked at 5pm on 27th June and, when the driver returned at 8.30am the next morning, he found the vehicle on blocks. The theft of six Texel butchers' lambs from a field at Johnstown, Enfield, on 22nd June, is also being investigated.