€30k of aluminium stolen

GARDAÍ believe that €30,000 worth of aluminium poles stolen from a marquee operator are likely to be sold for scrap.

The thieves also stole a lorry belonging to the businessman, driving it out of his compound and past an employee who thought they were a work crew who had legitimately taken the equipment out to a job.

Two men were seen in the white lorry, registration 96 LK 1608, at Leisure Domes Ltd at Buttevant, Co Cork, at 6.15am yesterday.

Gardaí also believe the same gang might have been responsible for stealing ESB cables during a robbery last week in Bantry, Co Cork.

The gang also stole a recovery truck and van from a garage close to the ESB compound.

The cables were likely stolen for their copper core, which will probably be sold on the scrap market.

Gardaí are warning businesses that stealing metal for scrap is likely to become more common as the recession continues.

“In the Buttevant incident the thieves took the keys for the lorry from the office. The lorry will not be easy to hide as it is large and very distinctive. We are asking people to keep a lookout, especially in isolated areas,” a Garda spokesman said.

Garda forensic experts cordoned off the scene for examination. They are also checking with scrap merchants should the gang attempt to sell the haul.

Anybody with information about the white open top lorry is asked to contact Mallow Garda Station at (022) 31452, the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.