Masked raider with knife found at Laois home

A MASKED man armed with a knife allegedly tried to break into a Laois house while a woman was alone, shortly after darkness fell.

Gardaí are investigating a report of the attempted break-in, which happened in Graiguecullen at about 5.45pm yesterday.

According to the report, a masked intruder armed with a knife went into the garden of a house, near St Clare’s Church on the Killeshin Road.

A woman was home alone at the time but other family members arrived, just as the man was preparing to enter the property. The intruder fled the scene.

The incident was described as ‘shocking and deeply unsettling’ by Laois Sinn Féin chairperson Aaron Kelly, who said that it ‘left a family traumatised and an entire community on edge’.

Appealing to people to assist the investigation, Mr Kelly said he was ‘deeply concerned’ about the disturbing encounter, which ‘has left a local family badly shaken and highlights the very real fear now being felt by many residents across Graiguecullen and wider Laois communities’.

He said: ‘Only the timely arrival and quick reaction of family members prevented what could have been a far more serious outcome.’ 

In a statement today, Mr Kelly commented: ‘Unfortunately, it reflects what many people in Graiguecullen and across Laois are telling me regularly – that crime and anti-social behaviour are on the rise and people no longer feel safe in their own homes.

‘An Garda Síochána have been notified and are currently seeking CCTV and doorbell footage from nearby homes. I am urging anyone with relevant footage or information to come forward and assist the investigation.’ 

Mr Kelly said that, while community cooperation is vital, it cannot replace the need for adequate Garda resources, visible policing and preventative measures.

Urging residents to take practical precautions where possible, he said: ‘People should ensure doors and windows are locked, both at home and in their vehicles, as we have also seen a spate of burglaries in the past few months around Graiguecullen and Killeshin.

‘Please look out for elderly neighbours or those who are more vulnerable in your locality also. While it is deeply regrettable to have to say this, it is a necessary step given the level of fear many families are experiencing.’ 

He also called for urgent action from both Laois and Carlow County Councils in relation to street lighting around Graigue, particularly in areas where lighting is poor or inadequate.

He said: ‘Dark streets and poorly lit estates create opportunities for criminal behaviour and heighten fear among residents. I am calling on both Laois and Carlow County Councils to work together to urgently identify lighting blackspots in Graiguecullen and to act without delay.

‘I have launched my own public street lighting survey on my social media accounts this morning and will be sharing the results with the councils to help identify areas of concern around public lighting in Graigue.

‘Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home and community. I will continue to raise these concerns with the relevant authorities and push for increased Garda visibility, improved lighting and real action to tackle crime before someone is seriously harmed. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity immediately to An Garda Síochána.’ 

Gardaí confirmed today that they received a report of an alleged incident, which occurred at approximately 5.45pm on Tuesday 20 January on the Killeshin Road, Graiguecullen.

Gardaí said that investigations are ongoing.