Ireland Three charged over alleged north-west burglary gang
Gardaí believe an organised burglary group has operated across Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim, Roscommon and Cavan since the beginning of the year, including the alleged theft of a safe holding about €10,000 from Dowra Mart in Sligo. James Lynch (44), of Naas, Co. Kildare, and two male juveniles were arrested in connection with alleged burglary, theft and organised criminal activity. On 24 February 2026 all three appeared before Carrick-on-Shannon District Court, where they were charged, Mr Lynch with three counts of burglary, three of theft and one of participating in and facilitating organised crime, and each juvenile with burglary, theft and participating in organised criminal activity. All three were remanded in custody, and Mr Lynch is due to appear again before Sligo District Court on 26 February.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court25 Feb
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Gardaí allege a safe containing about €10,000 was stolen from Dowra Mart in Sligo.
- An alleged attempted theft at Lissadell House was referenced during the court proceedings.
- Where
- The alleged offences took place in Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim, Roscommon and Cavan.
- When
- No incident date is given in the sources.
- Other details
- The suspects were James Lynch (44), of Our Lady's Place, Naas, Co. Kildare, and two male juveniles who are not named.
- Investigation
- Gardaí believe an organised group has been operating since the beginning of the year across counties in the north-west.
- Detective Sergeant Ray Mulderry said it will be alleged the defendants were active participants in the offences.
- Charges
- James Lynch was charged with three counts of burglary, three counts of theft and one count of participating in and facilitating organised crime.
- The first juvenile was charged with two counts of burglary, three counts of theft and one count of participating in organised criminal activity.
- The second juvenile was charged with three counts of burglary, seven counts of theft and one count of participating in organised criminal activity.
- In court
- The three appeared before Carrick-on-Shannon District Court on 24 February 2026 as part of a Garda investigation into organised burglary gangs.
- Mr Lynch was remanded in custody and is due to appear again before Sligo District Court on 26 February.
- The two juveniles were also remanded in custody.
11 statements extracted from the articles
- whatOne alleged incident involved the theft of a safe containing about €10,000 from Dowra Mart in Sligo. (leitrimobserver.ie)
- whatAn alleged attempted theft at Lissadell House was referenced during proceedings. (leitrimobserver.ie)
- whereThe men were arrested over alleged burglary, theft and organised criminal activity in Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim, Roscommon and Cavan. (leitrimobserver.ie)
- investigationGardaí believe an organised group has been operating since the beginning of the year across counties in the north-west. (leitrimobserver.ie)
- investigationDetective Sergeant Ray Mulderry said it will be alleged the defendants were active participants in the offences. (leitrimobserver.ie)
- chargeJames Lynch was charged with three counts of burglary, three counts of theft and one count of participating in and facilitating organised crime. (leitrimobserver.ie)
- chargeThe first juvenile was charged with two counts of burglary, three counts of theft and one count of participating in organised criminal activity. (leitrimobserver.ie)
- chargeThe second juvenile was charged with three counts of burglary, seven counts of theft and one count of participating in organised criminal activity. (leitrimobserver.ie)
- courtThree people appeared before Carrick-on-Shannon District Court on 24 February 2026 as part of a Garda investigation into organised burglary gangs. (leitrimobserver.ie)
- courtMr Lynch was remanded in custody and is due to appear again before Sligo District Court on 26 February. (leitrimobserver.ie)
- courtThe two juveniles were also remanded in custody. (leitrimobserver.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 25 Feb2026€10,000 stolen from Dowra Mart - Alleged members of crime gang arrested in Leitrim
Court appearance of three alleged members of an organised burglary gang, with charges and incidents across Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim, Roscommon and Cavan, including a €10,000 safe theft from Dowra Mart in Sligo and an attempted theft at Lissadell House.