Call for stricter laws to curtail sale of stolen gold and scrap

By TOM GILMORE THE theft of items as diverse as wedding rings, metal car trailers and, scrap metal, will only be curtailed by strict new laws, according to Cllr Kevin Ryan. Following a recent spate of burglaries at homes across East Galway Cllr Ryan says the thieves are taking items such as wedding and engagement rings, and new regulations need to be put in place to stop them selling stolen jewellery in particular. At the weekend jewellery was stolen when burglars struck at two houses in Menlough and one in Mountbellew.[private] Superintendent Gerry Roche of Ballinasloe Gardai says they feel that the gang who carried out those burglaries may be linked to a robbery at a video shop in Loughrea on Monday and to other burglaries. 'We have reports of a silver car being seen in the vicinity of where many of those robberies took place and we are appealing to the public to report any suspicious movements, no matter how trivial,' says the superintendent. He says the Gardai have additional patrols watching out for such incidents at this time of the year in particular, but it is only with the help of the public, reporting suspicious vehicles, that they can be more effective in catching the criminals. A similar silver-coloured car was used in burglaries at houses across parts of North Galway and South Mayo two weeks ago. Cllr Kevin Ryan is also encouraging the public to be more vigilant and to alert Gardai quickly if they see anything suspicious. He also feels that new laws can help curb this form of crime. 'I would like to see consultation on new regulations for the sale of gold and silver items for cash which would require that a person produces his or her PPS number and photo ID, ideally a passport, as well as having a photo taken of the items before cash would be given for them,' says Cllr Ryan. 'This would help curtail a lot of the break-ins and the regulations need to be similar to those proposed by Minister Phil Hogan for the sale of scrap metal,' he added. Cllr Ryan suffered a theft himself when his car trailer was stolen. The Minister's proposals include prohibiting cash payments for materials received, the requirement of identity and a current address of the person selling the materials and a signed statement by the person showing that they are the lawful owners, or have the owner's consent.[/private]