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.

The commissioner did not specify the regions but sources said he was referring to eastern and western.

The theft of five guns from a house in Toomevara in Co Tipperary prompted the local superintendent to reveal an increasing tendency of criminals to target unoccupied houses to steal shotguns and rifles.

Supt Jim Fitzgerald said there was a trend over the years to steal from vacant homes. Patrols have been increased in the Tipperary countryside.

Garda sources said there is a fear the guns are being stolen by criminals based in Limerick and that the raids are planned, that homes are being watched as the thieves wait until owners go on holiday.

But David Keogh, of the National Rifle and Pistol Association, disputes the claim that there has been a noticeable increase in the robbery of firearms or that homeowners with guns are being specifically targeted.

Mr Keogh said the figures quoted by Commissioner Conroy appear quite small given the 230,000 licensed firearms in the State.

A review of firearms legislation is expected to be published some time in the summer and Mr Keogh believes there are moves to introduce legislation forcing gun owners to install gun cabinets.

At present, a High Court ruling that the installation of a gun cabinet cannot be used as a pre-condition for the granting of renewal of a license still stands.

Gun owners believe it is actually safer not to have a gun cabinet and to store firearms and parts in separate areas of their homes.

The review team is also looking at the ban on ownership of guns over .22 calibre and the confiscation of thousands of pistols following emergency legislation in the early 1970s.

But a High Court case on the issue is also proceeding.

Marksman Nicholas Flood today continues his court challenge against the refusal by a local superintendent to grant him a licence for a .308-calibre rifle that he needs for international competition claiming it infringes on his constitutional right to earn a living.