Gardaí Believe Burglars Are Targeting ‘Well-To-Do’ Southside Pubs in Robberies

Gardaí believe that a group of armed raiders have been targeting pubs in affluential areas of Dublin's south side, with two very similar incidents occurring in just a number of weeks. According to The Herald, the most recent attack happened at Ashton's Gastro Pub, Clonskeagh at 2am on Saturday. The methods used in the raid bore incredible similarities to a similar raid that occurred earlier this month at Bar 51 on Haddington Road in Ballsbridge. Both Clonskeagh and Ballsbridge raids involved two men, donning balaclavas, who appeared to be armed with a gun and knife.  The Clonskeagh raid saw two members of staff restrained with cable ties. Following the robbers' failure to crack open the till, the raiders escaped with two bottles of vodka and two mobile phones. The Ballsbridge raid involved the pair escaping with €2,500. A source for the robberies told the Herald: "The similarities between these robberies have led investigators to conclude that the raids have been carried out by the same gang. Major investigations are in place, but there are serious concerns that this crew will target another pub in south Dublin before too long.'' "They're clearly very hungry for cash." READ NEXT: Gardaí Appealing For Info On Woman Missing For 10 Days From Dublin