Gardai in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, have begun an investigation into a robbery at the home of Tony and Mary Baker, the parents of Capt Michael Baker, one of four Air Corps members killed in Friday's helicopter crash.
The gardai said the robbery took place sometime on Saturday, most likely when Capt Baker's parents were at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co Dublin, where their son's remains were brought. However, a Garda spokesman in Enniscorthy said it was "total speculation" to suggest the burglars knew the owners were at Baldonnel. "It is amazing that some people automatically jump to conclusions without any proof," he said.
"Often a house burglar will call at a house to see if anyone is there and if there is no answer will then enter the house," he said. He added that media reports which suggested that burglars had targeted the house were "irresponsible".
A "small amount" of Ms Baker's jewellery was taken. Other Garda sources suggested that if burglars knew the occupants would be away for several hours, more than jewellery might have been taken.
The parents of Capt Baker were said to be "devastated" by the robbery, which was discovered by Mr Baker when he returned home after the removal. A window at the back of the house was forced open by the robber, according to the Garda, but most of the house was undisturbed.
Because of the timing, the investigation team, headed by Supt Pat Delaney, from Enniscorthy, will wait a few days before interviewing the couple.
A forensic examination of the house yielded little evidence, according to Garda sources.
The Minister for Defence said the robbery was "appalling, callous and disgusting" and was perpetrated at a time when Mr and Ms Baker were in deep mourning.