"She got out of her car in the driveway of her house and as she approached the door a youth in his mid-twenties, and approximately 5'4'', wearing a baseball cap and gloves said something to her. He covered the front of his face with one hand, walked
up the driveway and grabbed her shoulderbag," said Sgt Liam Sheahan, crime prevention officer at Henry Street Garda station.
The thief then ran to a waiting car, which was described as "dirty black" in colour and part of the registration was possibly 97D.
"Cash, credit cards and personal items were in the bag," said Sgt Sheahan, who described this crime as "fairly unusual", but one that was becoming more common.
"We did have a few of these crimes in the recent past where females travelling on their own were followed home and their handbags robbed as they were getting out of their cars in the driveways of their own homes. It's something that all females should be aware of and always take care and attention that no one is following you," said Sgt Sheahan.
He said this advice also applied to taking cash from an ATM machine.
"Be alert to what's going on around you, as in a couple of these cases the women were seen taking cash from an ATM and followed home specifically to rob that money," said Sgt Sheahan.
Castleconnell Gardai are investigating and anybody with any information is asked to contact them on 061-377105.
On Wednesday, March 3, there was a robbery in Gooig, Castleconnell, between 8.30am and 3.10pm when the occupants of a house were out. The break-in was spotted by the postman.
"A number of drawers in the house had been searched and tossed around but nothing of any value appeared to have been taken.
"Neighbours did see a dark green / blue Mercedes Vito pass the house three times the day before with a heavy set man with glasses in the driver's seat," said Sgt Sheahan.
He said there was absolutely nothing to say that that person was involved in the break-in but asked the person to get in contact if he was involved in legitimate business so the Gardai can rule him out of their enquiries.
