THOUSANDS of euro worth of antiques were taken by opportunist thieves last week after a van containing the antiques was stolen in Limerick city over the weekend.
And the owner of the van and the associated antique store believes that he was followed prior to the theft and his movements were observed and noted before the thieves struck.
The van, a dark blue Fiat Ducato, was taken from outside St John’s Cathedral on Friday between 4pm and 5pm.
Gardai said that the van was recovered but the items contained inside were stolen.
Both the owner and gardai are appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward and assist with the investiogation.
Patrick, who is in the antiques business took to local radio to explain his plight and believes that the thieves were targeting the van specifically for its contents.
“We would have been spotted driving the van around town and maybe the doors were open and closed a few times and I think we were followed so guys would have been waiting for the opportunity.”
Describing the 2007 Cork registered van, Patrick told Limerick’s Live 95FM that the registration of the van is 07C6544 and he is hoping that members of the public in the area noticed the movements of the unscrupulous thieves involved.
