Gardaí fear gangs behind gun theft spree

GARDAÍ in Limerick fear gangs are stocking up on firearms ahead of the resumption of feuds in the city.

An alarming increase in the number of thefts of guns from houses has been noted by gardaí in parts of the country, particularly Limerick and Tipperary.

Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy told a conference of rank-and-file members last week that, in two regions alone, 556 firearms were stolen from houses. A further 70 have been stolen so far this year.