Absolutely mindless destruction.
While most of the country was content with making snowmen and igloos as Storm Emma snowed down on the nation, a handful of people made the news by taking advantage of the emptied streets and buildings.
Stolen substantial digging equipment was used to bulldoze into the side of a Lidl store in Tallaght in Dublin, and the store was then looted, including the store’s safe which the criminals attempted to break open using that same digging equipment.
Gardaí later confirmed that six people were arrested at this scene, with a further three arrested at another looting scene at a Centra Store in Jobstown, at which someone who cut open the shutters with a con saw.
According to RTE News, the Garda attempted to reach the scenes earlier, but their SUV was stuck in snow-drifts of up to five feet.
However, the first responding officers to arrive were then attacked by people at the scene, and the Gardai drew ASPs (batons) and pepper spray for personal protection but did not use them and were forced to retreat.
Civil Defence and Defence Force trucks and snowploughs had to be utilised to bring Garda reinforcements to the scene and arrests were then made.
JOE reader Liam Gaughan sent in this video of the Lidl store today, and in the broad light of day, the substantial damage to the semi-demolished store is much more visible.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Tallaght Garda Station on 01 666 6000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
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