Claims of protection money sought for cars investigated

Allegations that youths are demanding “protection money” from motorists and have broken car windscreens and wing mirrors in south Dublin are being investigated by the Garda.

The move follows complaints from residents of John McCormack Road that youths have approached vehicle owners demanding €50 protection money.

Gardaí confirmed a number of locals had complained of a wave of damage to vehicles in the Walkinstown and Crumlin areas. A local superintendent is heading an investigation into claims money has been demanded from vehicle owners to ensure their property is not damaged overnight.

In one case, the residents of one road in Crumlin parked their cars at Crumlin Garda station overnight for fear of vandalism and theft.

Windscreen smashed

Crumlin-Kimmage ward councillor Catherine Ardagh said the family of one resident contacted her after her windscreen was smashed outside her home, just days after her wing mirror had been pulled off.

“Her neighbours had also been threatened, with criminals demanding €50 to keep each car safe overnight... It’s happening on a nightly basis in some cases,” Ms Ardagh said.

The issue of vandalism was discussed at the last meeting of the council’s South Central Area Committee and Ms Ardagh has now submitted a motion calling for a discussion of the “racketeering” aspect to be debated.

Call for CCTV

Locals have called for CCTV to be installed in the neighbourhood, but the council is understood to be of the view it is not practical that all areas be covered in this way.

The issue has been tabled for the next meeting of the council’s policing committee, and a local Garda superintendent heading the investigation is understood to be preparing a report.

“The latest crime figures show that there were 157 cars reported stolen in the Dublin South Garda Division in the first three months of this year.

“But clearly these figures are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to crime against property, as these figures don’t reflect the increasing level of vandalism and threats in the area,” Ms Ardagh said.