'Major setback' for Limerick service station as burglars ransack store on fourth attempt

“At 2:30am this morning, intruders entered the premises, forced the door open and ransacked it. They escaped with a large amount of cigarettes and vapes and took a substantial amount of cash as well.

“This is the fourth time our shop has been targeted by criminals. The shop has been closed and we haven’t been able to provide essential services for the  local here community here because of the criminality that has taken place, so it has really affected the local community in a big way.”

With plans to extend the site in Caherline, despite this setback, Mr Beechinor said in conversation with Cllr Noreen Stokes: “We have a planning application submitted to Limerick City & County Council for a whole new development here and we are looking forward to getting that up and going and It will be a major boost for the local community here in Caherline”

Additionally, former Detective Superintendent Alan Cunningham of Bruff said  “These are very challenging and difficult times for small businesses like ours”.

“I’d like to firstly thank the local community for their continued and valued support and we hope to develop the business better and to improve the facilities for the area. I would also like to thank the Members of An Garda Siochana from Caherconlish and Roxboro for their prompt response and ongoing support to us.

“This has been a major setback, with it being the fourth intrusion we’ve had since opening the business here.

“It has been very challenging times, very difficult, but we are doing our best and with help and support from the public, we will get there, please God.”

In a statement to Limerick Live, gardaí said that they are “investigating an incident of burglary at a business premises in Caherconlish”, and that “investigations are ongoing”.

James and Lelia Beechinor own and operate multiple shops and service stations around Limerick since 2003 and are opening a new post office and Spar shop in Bruree in the coming week.

Finally, the proprietors would also like to thank Cllr Noreen Stokes for her help and support.

“She was the only public representative that called to offer assistance and enquire for our welfare and that of the business,” said James.

“She was also first on the scene on December 12, 2024, at our Service Station in Holycross when the storm blew the roof off, contacting various bodies including the ESB and getting our power back, a sincere thank you to you Noreen a great ambassador for your party and a great community person.”