There are reports of a protection racket going on in some areas of south Dublin, where gangs of youths are allegedly demanding residents “protection” money so their cars would not be damaged.
Some residents in the Crumlin-Kimmage area of the city have said that they have been approached by youths asking for €50 protection money, so their vehicles would remain damage-free overnight. Some of these residents have gone as far as parking their cars in Crumlin garda station, to avoid trouble.
A local councillor has said that “It seems to be a problem with youths in the area, with a spate of windscreens and cars being smashed on a weekly basis around the Crumlin and Walkinstown area.
“I had a lady contact my office in relation to a friend of hers being asked for €50 so that his car would be damage-free in the morning, so it’s quite disturbing.”