€1,000 reward to catch pickpocket
Reputed to be Ireland’s oldest pub, Sean’s Bar in Athlone, Co Westmeath, took to Facebook this week to try and solve the crime and send out a message to criminals.
Acting general manager Declan Delaney said an 80-year-old British tourist staying in Birr, Co Offaly, had visited the bar on a day-trip to Athlone.
The man was enjoying a drink when he discovered that his wallet was missing.
While it did not contain a large sum of money, “it sort of ruined his holiday for him.
“He blamed himself for letting people do it to him,” Mr Delaney explained.
Gardaí attended the pub and took details from the tourist. They were also provided with CCTV footage from the bar.
Although the wallet was not recovered, the bar managers decided to visit the man in Birr and reimburse the stolen money.
“He went away happy.
“I think he was delighted with the gesture more than anything else,” said Mr Delaney.
Mr Delaney now hopes the online appeal will make criminals think twice about targeting the pub. “Even small rural pubs.”
Echoing that sentiment, bar owner Timmy Donovan said: “We have never had anything like that happen in here before… You do something like that [offer a €1,000 reward], I don’t think we will have a pickpocket in here again.”
The €1,000 reward remains in place and will be paid to anyone who can provide information which leads to a successful prosecution.
