Police are on the lookout for a gang suspected of stealing vehicles valued at up to £87,000 and drugging a dog in a recent break-in. The group, reportedly comprising individuals as young as 15, is also thought to be responsible for a series of burglaries and two arson incidents over the past 18 months.
According to sources, the gang, hailing from different parts of Dublin, has joined forces to carry out burglaries across Leinster. They are said to have targeted a family-run business in the Midlands, where they allegedly sedated the family’s Doberman before making off with two Audis, a Ford van, and a motocross bike. The burglary, involving around six individuals wearing balaclavas, occurred in the early hours of a Saturday.
Additionally, the suspects are believed to have vandalized a CCTV camera during the raid. Although the stolen items were later recovered by the family, detectives have pinpointed the Dublin-based gang as the primary suspects.
Authorities suspect the same group was involved in a burglary in the Crumlin area of south Dublin, where three cars were reportedly stolen. CCTV footage circulating online suggests the presence of at least five masked perpetrators.
The gang comprises young members, aged between 15 and their early 20s, from various areas in north and south Dublin. Most are said to originate from the Bluebell and Ballyfermot regions, with some reportedly having ties to the notorious Lucky Dip gang, primarily based in Ballymun and Finglas. The Lucky Dip gang has a history of engaging in burglaries and vehicle thefts across Leinster.
Some members of the gang were allegedly embroiled in a feud linked to a group associated with Josh Itseli, who tragically lost his life in Drimnagh in May 2024. The gang is also believed to have been paid to carry out an arson attack at a pub in Duleek, Co Meath, earlier this year, resulting in the destruction of eight cars.
The gang is suspected of using a Toyota Avensis as a getaway vehicle following the attack. Authorities have connected the car to a string of burglaries in various areas. Detectives also suspect that the group may have access to weapons, including knives, machetes, and at least one firearm.
A source disclosed that the gang predominantly targets vehicles for sale by engaging with sellers online and then burglarizing their homes to steal the vehicles. The gang is described as prolific and involved in various criminal activities.
Gardai have confirmed an ongoing investigation into the theft of several cars during a burglary in Crumlin last month. They stated that the investigation is still in progress.
