Two betting shops robbed

GARDAÍ are investigating the robbery of two betting shops that were held up within days of each other on Tullow Road, Carlow by a man who appeared to have a firearm.

A man walked into Boyle Sports betting shop on the Tullow Road on Sunday morning at 10.50am and threatened staff with an apparent firearm. After he was given a sum of money by a terrified member of staff, he made his escape from the area on foot.

Two doors away, Paddy Power’s betting shop was also robbed just days before in a similar fashion, where the robber appeared to have a gun. Gardaí are investigating if the two robberies are connected, while extra gardaí have been deployed in the area in a bid to reassure residents.

Detectives in Carlow Garda Station are investigating both incidents and Inspector Anthony Farrell has visited the two bookie shops that were targeted. He has also called to other bookie shops in the town as a precautionary measure, from a crime-prevention perspective.

“It's very concerning that something like this could happen in Carlow town. This type of crime is not prevalent here and gardaí are treating it very, very seriously. We are especially conscious of the staff who work in these shops. Something like this would have a very traumatic effect on the people who were just doing their jobs,” said Supt Farrell. “I want to reassure the residents of the Tullow Road that this sort of crime is very unusual, it’s very rare here.” The man who robbed Boyle Sports on Sunday spoke with a local accent and was wearing dark clothing. No suspects have been arrested yet as gardaí continue their investigation and their appeal for information.

Gardaí are looking for dashcam or CCTV footage that would help them in their investigations. Contact Carlow Garda Station on 069 9136620 with information.