Suspects in alleged car break-in spree linked to high-profile vehicle thefts in Dublin and Wicklow

By Darragh McCann, The Wicklow People

Gardaí have launched an investigation after vehicles and homes were targeted during a spree of alleged break-ins and attempted break-ins across Aughrim, Ashford and surrounding areas in the early hours of Friday morning.

It is understood gardaí have identified several suspects believed to be behind the alleged offences, after two males were spotted in the Ashford area at the time of the incidents.

The pair are believed to be part of a group of young men from Dublin and north Wicklow who, sources believe, are linked to several high-profile vehicle theft investigations.

“One of the suspects hasn’t been arrested yet, but we have been investigating him for a long time. We are closing in on him,” a source said.

Sources also claim those involved regularly flaunt their alleged offending on social media platforms.

During the search, gardaí recovered a stolen dirt bike hidden in a field, which is believed to belong to the group.

On Monday the suspects are also believed to have led gardaí on a pursuit along the N11 southbound, during which they allegedly drove on the wrong side of the road and at a patrol car while wearing balaclavas.

Another source said the incidents fit the suspect’s alleged modus operandi, which involves stealing vehicles and storing them away before using them again when “the heat has died down”.

While none of the stolen property has been recovered to date, gardaí are understood to have significantly narrowed their search to an area of north Wicklow.