Exclusive: In total, the tech thieves took just 50 seconds to break through the front door of Fone4U in Ballina, Mayo, steal the devices, and make their escape.
05:00, 10 Jan 2026
Two thugs stole more than €10,000 worth of iPhones and iPads during a daring smash-and-grab robbery.
In total, the tech thieves took just 50 seconds to break through the front door of Fone4U in Ballina, Mayo, steal the devices, and make their escape.
Dramatic CCTV footage shows the moment the pair gained entry to the store shortly after 3am on Wednesday, January 7.
They can then be seen making their way directly over to a glass cabinet that holds the iPhones and iPads, including the new iPhone 17 Pro Max, which sells for €1,500.
After filling up a bag with the devices, they headed back towards the front door and fled the scene in what is understood to be a Silver Volkswagen Polo.
It is believed that there was no getaway driver, and the thieves parked in front of the store while carrying out the heist, then returned and sped off.
Aman Anwar, who is the store manager, told the Irish Mirror: “There was more than €10,000 worth of products stolen.
“Nothing like this has ever happened before. We’ve been open for 10 years, and nothing like this has happened. We couldn’t even imagine something like this could happen.
“It took them just 50 seconds to get in and out of the store. It’s like they’ve been trained professionally to do this type of job. They were quite fast.
“The local people are in shock. This type of burglary has never happened in Ballina.”
Aman added: “Since we reopened, we’re looking at every person that comes into the store to see if they match the description of the suspects or if he could be a guy who would say ‘hands up’.
“It’s a really terrible situation.”
Aman revealed that the iPhones, which were stolen, have since been blocked and can’t be used.
He added: “If anybody has any information, please contact any of our social media accounts or contact the Ballina Garda Station.”
Aman said they are also considering providing a reward to anybody with information that can progress the investigation.
Gardaí carried out a technical examination of the scene on Wednesday and are currently reviewing CCTV footage in an effort to identify the perpetrators.
In a statement, Gardai said they “are investigating a burglary at a commercial premises on Tolan Street, Ballina, Co Mayo, which occurred shortly after 3:00 am on 7th January 2026.
“A number of electronic items were taken. A technical examination of the scene has been carried out. Investigations ongoing.”
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