Clare gardai seek information on stolen car which was spotted in neighbouring counties

Gardai in Ennis are appealing for information about the movements of a car which was stolen from outside a house in the town earlier this month.

The vehicle was subsequently observed by gardai in Limerick and Tipperary but attempts to stop it and apprehend the occupants proved unsuccessful.

"A blue Toyota Aqua with a 152 Clare registration was stolen from Glenina Housing Estate, Gort Road in Ennis between 10pm on Wednesday, April 10 and 7.20am the following morning," said Garda John Finnerty from Henry Street garda station in Limerick city.

"My colleagues encountered this car driving recklessly inbound on the Dublin Road here in Limerick at 7.40pm on Thursday, April 11. There were a number of occupants in the car. All were wearing balaclavas," he added.

According to gardai, the car was driven at speed in the Garryowen area of Limerick city, Mulgrave Street, Childers Road, Roxboro Road and the Milk Market area in the city centre.

"The car failed to stop for my colleagues," said Garda Finnerty who said gardai in Tipperary Town encountered the vehicle at around 4.30pm on the following day - Friday, April 12.

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According to gardai, the occupants of the stolen car attempted to steal three other vehicles at separate locations in Tipperary Town later that evening. These incidents occurred at Rosanna Close, outside a supermarket at Limerick Road and at An Duiche. 

The stolen Toyota was spotted in Limerick city again at around 5.30pm on Friday, April 12 when it was observed being driven in a reckless manner at St Patrick's Road, Ballysimon Road and Childers Road.

"A few minutes later, the car was seen on Pennywell road. It then diverted into Garryowen where it drove at speed around a number of housing estates. It drove out the Dublin road at speed, went right at the Groody roundabout and on towards the junction at the Ballysimon Road. The car was finally abandoned at St. Laurence’s Park in Garryowen at 6.55pm," said Garda Finnerty.

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Gardai say the driver of the car put the safety of members of the public and gardai at risk and they are appealing for any witnesses who may have encountered the blue Toyota Aqua car to contact them.

Henry Street garda station in Limerick can be contacted at 061 212400.