Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 5978Aggravated burglary · Co. Galway · 31 Jan 2024

Gardaí release descriptions of two men sought over Loughrea phone shop burglary

At about 2am on 31 January 2024, an aggravated burglary took place at a phone shop in Loughrea, County Galway, where 36 phones worth a total of €28,000 were reportedly stolen. Two men were seen on Main Street and Weaver's Rest before breaking open the rear door, while the shop owner was upstairs. The taller man was reportedly carrying an iron bar. On 1 May 2024, Gardaí released descriptions of the two men and appealed for witnesses, and no arrests have been reported.

  1. Reported1 May
  2. Arrested
  3. Charged
  4. In court
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • An aggravated burglary took place at a phone shop in Loughrea, County Galway.
  • 36 phones worth a total of €28,000 were reportedly stolen.
When
The burglary took place at 2am on 31 January 2024.
Where
  • Two men were seen on Main Street and Weaver's Rest area of Loughrea before the burglary.
  • The men went to the rear of the phone shop and broke open the door to gain access.
Other details
  • The shop owner was upstairs at the time and approached the top of the stairs.
  • The taller suspect has a stocky build and is between 6'2" and 6'4" in height.
  • The second suspect has a thin build and is between 5'6" and 5'8" in height.
Weapon
The taller man was reportedly carrying an iron bar.
Investigation
  • Gardaí released detailed descriptions of the two men, including what they were wearing at the time.
  • Gardaí appealed to anyone who was on Main Street, Loughrea, between 1:15am and 2:30am on 31 January 2024 to come forward.
Charges
No suspects have been named and no arrests or charges have been reported.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe incident was an aggravated burglary at a phone shop in Loughrea. (galwaybeo.ie)
  • whatThe pair robbed 36 phones worth a total of €28,000. (galwaybeo.ie)
  • whereTwo men were seen on Main Street and Weaver’s Rest area of Loughrea before the burglary. (galwaybeo.ie)
  • whereThe men broke open the door at the rear of the phone shop to gain access to the business. (galwaybeo.ie)
  • whenThe burglary took place at 2am on 31 January 2024. (galwaybeo.ie)
  • weaponThe taller suspect was carrying an iron bar. (galwaybeo.ie)
  • investigationGardaí have released detailed descriptions of the two males, including what they were wearing at the time of the burglary. (galwaybeo.ie)
  • investigationGardaí are appealing to members of the public who may have been on Main Street, Loughrea, between 1:15am and 2:30am on 31 January 2024 to come forward. (galwaybeo.ie)
  • otherThe shop owner was upstairs at the time of the break-in. (galwaybeo.ie)
  • otherThe first suspect has a stocky build and is between 6'2 and 6'4 in height. (galwaybeo.ie)
  • otherThe second suspect is approximately 5'6 to 5'8 in height and of a thin build. (galwaybeo.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 1 May2024
    Reportedgalwaybeo.ie, first report
    Gardai behind biggest Galway investigation this year release suspects details

    Adds the release of detailed descriptions of the two suspects, the value of the phones stolen, and a public appeal for information. No suspects are named and no arrests are reported.

    suspect, malesuspect, malevictim