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Major warning to thousands of drivers as Gardai hunt violent new car hijack mob on prowl across Ireland

• , Crime Editor

• Published: 19:08, 16 Aug 2023
• Updated: 19:08, 16 Aug 2023

GARDAI are hunting a gang of violent car hijackers who are on the prowl across Ireland.

In the latest incident on Tuesday night, a young man had his 2017 Volkswagen Golf stolen in Moate, Co Westmeath.

The victim had placed his vehicle for sale on the website donedeal.ie and was contacted by a potential buyer.

He then met with the buyer and the pair went for a test drive in the vehicle.

During the journey, the car stopped on an isolated road and another vehicle pulled in behind them.

A man in a balaclava then punched the victim in the head and also hit him with a large object before stealing the Golf

Gardai are now trying to establish if the gang were behind other hijackings in recent weeks.

Investigators also believe they are deliberately targeting people selling cars online.

One source said: “The victim in this case is badly shaken and he suffered a terrible experience.

“The gang were well organised and weren’t afraid to use violence.

“The victim was left alone as his car was driven away by a member of the gang.”

In previous years, Gardai investigated around four hijackings per year.

But so far this month, there have been six alleged hijackings.

They included e-scooters being stolen, a Porsche 911 and a Volkswagen Polo.

The thieves have struck in west Dublin and also Kildare.

MOTORBIKES ALSO A TARGET

And just two days ago in Newbridge in Co Kildare, a suspect failed in an attempt to steal an Audi A4 when he produced a gun.

The suspect fled and the driver of the car later crashed as he escaped.

The growing number of hijackings also comes after it emerged gangs were targeted motorbike owners.

The hoods are pretending to be interested in buying bikes but when they receive Eircode details they visit the property and steal the vehicles.

Dave Kirwan, from Motorbikes Ireland, urged sellers to remain vigilant: “I would encourage people to be very careful when selling their motorbikes.

“These gangs are running riot and more needs to be done to bring them to Justice.