Action to combat robberies urged

A CHANGE in Garda operational methods, including the provision of high powered squad cars, has been urged following the raids…

A CHANGE in Garda operational methods, including the provision of high powered squad cars, has been urged following the raids on petrol filling stations throughout south Dublin and Co Wicklow in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The raids were carried out by a gang of four youths who broke into five filling stations and attempted to rob another. The raiders were driving a high powered black BMW, believed to be stolen.

Yesterday, Fine Gael TD Mr Alan Shatter said: "Urgent action must be taken to improve the operational capacity of the gardai to protect the community against young thugs raiding petrol stations and retail outlets in high powered stolen motor vehicles."