Hunt for gang after theft of designer clothes from warehouse

GARDAÍ are searching for a gang that stole thousands of euro worth of designer clothes and tableware from a warehouse in Co Cork.

Superintendent Con Cadogan, who is leading the investigation, said he believed the designer labels could end up being sold at knock-down prices at car boot sales.

The goods were stolen from a 40ft-long container which was parked in a compound at Blarney Business Park.

Gardaí believe the thieves broke into the container sometime during the early hours of Sunday, December 30.

They stole Jasper Conran and John Rocha holdall bags and Gordon Ramsey tableware.

They also took boxes of blue Levi jeans, bed quilts and an assortment of photo albums, most of which were designed to hold wedding pictures.

Supt Cadogan said gardaí were also looking for a distinctive aluminium trailer which was stolen from another part of Blarney.

He said the Ifor William’s trailer, which was 16ft long and had a double axle, was recently taken from a yard at Garrycloye, Blarney.

“The people who took it will probably try to sell it on to somebody in the farming or building trade at a knockdown price,” said Supt Cadogan.

He added that the trailer was worth around €4,000 and said gardaí were anxious to hear from anybody who may have seen it.

Anybody with information on either of the above crimes is asked to contact Gurranabraher Garda Station at 021-494 6200.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated investigation, gardaí say they expect to make an arrest soon in connection with a vicious hammer attack on Cork’s northside.

A man in his early 30s was hit several times about the head and face by another man wielding a hammer while he walked along Harbour View Road in Knocknaheeny in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

The victim was rushed to Cork University Hospital with facial injuries and treated for several days.

He was discharged from hospital within the last few days and has been interviewed by detectives. He is expected to make a full recovery.