Three arrests as Laois-Offaly gardaí stop stolen vehicle

THREE people were arrested after Laois-Offaly gardaí stopped a stolen vehicle in the early hours of this morning.

The culprits had tried to change the registration plate using black tape, according to gardaí.

The vehicle stolen during a burglary in Thurles, Co Tipperary earlier this week was intercepted at a rural checkpoint in Offaly at about 2am on Saturday.

Three people fled on foot after the vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint on Military Road, Crinkle. They were caught shortly afterwards, following what gardaí described as ‘a brief foot pursuit’ and the stolen vehicle was seized.

Laois-Offaly gardaí said today on social media that all three individuals have been charged with the unauthorised taking of a vehicle.

They added: ‘Gardaí also noted an attempt to alter the vehicle’s registration plate using black tape, a tactic designed to evade detection.

‘The vehicle is now being returned to its rightful owner, bringing a welcome conclusion to a distressing incident.’ 

Investigations are ongoing and searches of the area and vehicle are continuing to identify further evidence.

The arrested trio are due to appear before Tullamore District Court on 9 July.