Man accused of targeting 'elderly and vulnerable women' in Limerick refused bail
Gardai allege nine women in Limerick and across the country have had almost €30,000 stolen from them
A ROMANIAN man who gardai allege “came into the country for the sole purpose of committing crime by targeting elderly and vulnerable women” in supermarkets has been charged before a special sitting of Limerick District Court.
Gardai allege the accused man is one of a number of persons involved in crimes around the country - including Limerick - in which nine women have had almost €30,000 stolen from them between February 25 and May 12, 2026.
Marius Caldare, aged 53, of no fixed abode, was charged with 46 counts of theft before Judge Catherine Ryan on Sunday afternoon.
Garda Elizabeth Danaher gave evidence of arresting Mr Caldare in Cork city on May 21 and conveying him to Henry Street garda station. The investigating garda said Mr Caldare made no reply to each of the 46 charges after caution.
Gardai objected to a bail application made by solicitor Julianne Kiely, on behalf of Mr Caldare. He was assisted during proceedings by a Romanian interpreter.
Garda Danaher told the court that the modus operandi of these alleged crimes is consistent.
“One suspect shoulder surfs the victim as she enters her pin at the checkout in a supermarket. She is followed to the car park where another suspect is waiting for her to get into her car before approaching her, stating that another person has damaged her car.
“When the victim gets out to inspect the damage the second suspect opens the passenger door and steals her bank card. There are substantial ATM cash withdrawals made within a very small timeframe using victim's bank card and pin,” alleged Garda Danaher, of Henry Street garda station.
Garda Danaher further alleged there have been nine such crimes in counties Meath, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Offaly, Carlow, Laois and Limerick with two in Dunnes Stores, Jetland Shopping Centre, Ennis Road, Limerick city on May 4.
The garda alleged the pattern around the country was “deliberate to reduce the possibility of apprehension”.
“The total financial loss to these nine victims amounts to €28,324.88. These incidents have had a devastating effect financially and especially emotionally on these victims - five of whom are over 70 years of age. It is my belief Marius Caldare has benefited hugely financially from these crimes.
The garda added that CCTV has been obtained as part of the investigation and that gardai believe the defendant “deliberately identified and targeted elderly and vulnerable women who were on their own”.
She further alleged: “It shows him identifying targets in advance, tracking and monitoring their movements over a period of time and maintaining ongoing surveillance. It shows a level of planning, organisation and high degree of coordination.”
One of the alleged victims in Limerick is 85-years-old. The investigating garda further alleged that it is her belief that if granted bail Marius Caldare will not turn up to court to answer charges and “will continue to commit serious offences”.
“He has no ties to the jurisdiction. I believe him to pose a significant flight risk. He is not working and is not in receipt of any benefits.”
He has no ties to the jurisdiction. I believe him to pose a significant flight risk. He is not working and is not in receipt of any benefits
“It is my belief that Marius Caldare came into the country for the sole purpose of committing crime over a short period of time and his intention is to leave the jurisdiction in the near future,” alleged Garda Danaher.
Ms Kiely said her client’s instructions are that he will comply with all bail conditions. The solicitor said Mr Caldare’s instructions are that an ID card is the only travel documentation that he has and it is in the possession of gardai.
Judge Ryan said Mr Caldare remains innocent until proven guilty. The judge said in all the circumstances she was going to refuse bail.
Mr Caldare was remanded in custody to appear via video-link, pending directions from the DPP.
The accused man was granted free legal aid.