A number of homes were broken into and ransacked in Ballylinan and Maganey yesterday with gardai hoping the public will assist them in their investigation.
During the incidents, three houses were broken into in Killeen, Ballyfoyle and Maganey. All the houses were vacant at the time.
An alarm on the side of one of the houses was broken off by the raiders.
Gardai believe the thefts are most likely linked to earlier robberies in Ballylinan over the weekend, during which a shotgun was stolen from one house, along with electrical items and a small amount of cash.
Gardai are asking anyone who noticed anything suspicious or unusual in the area to contact them.
Portlaoise Garda Station can be contacted at 057 8674100.
It is believed the thieves had transport so any information on unusual movements or a car driving around the area is being sought.
A garda spokesperson reminded homeowners to be vigilant and keep their doors and windows locked and to always set an alarm when leaving the house.
Even if items of value aren’t stolen during the robbery, the experience of a house being broken into can prove to be a very traumatic experience.
In the case of these three recent burglaries, the houses were also ransacked.
The robberies are all similar in nature, with entry gained via rear windows in the houses.
A break-in also occurred in the Pine Villas estate in Portarlington in the past fortnight, where entry was gained through a side window.
READ MORE – Fourth house burglary in Ballylinan
