Galway locals get gardai involved after 'dangerous' incidents involving kids as young as 12
Multiple videos and pictures have been taken and brought to gardai according to residents
Fed up Galway residents have decided to get gardai involved after a spate of pre-teen and teen gang incidents around the area.
The people of Tuam are up in arms after a series of anti-social behaviour incidents have been witnessed, being carried out by kids as young as 12-years-old.
Locals have been targeted with fireworks and have seen parts of the town set alight leading to reports being issued to gardai.
One person said it is only a matter of time before they hurt themselves messing with the fireworks or even worse could injury someone else.
They said: “I spotted four lads today setting off fireworks in trash bins at the park, which started a fire as a result.
“They also set them off outside the Shopping Centre on the pedestrian area, dangerously close to multiple pedestrians.
“They ranged in age from 15 to as young as 12 and were all dressed in dark clothes with puffer coats.
They continued: “The four of them have been spotted and followed around the mill, the park, and near the train station. I’ve been told multiple videos and pictures have been taken and brought to gardai. If this sounds like one of your children, talk to them before one of them blows off a finger or hand and gets seriously hurt. Or hurts someone else.”
A member of An Garda Síochána has issued a warning and reminder relating to fireworks and public safety ahead of Halloween 2026.
Garda Orlaith Fahy explained that the warning coincides with Halloween 2026 ‘fast approaching’, as well as with the fact that nights will become longer in the autumn and winter months.
Garda Fahy pointed to one particular incident which involved the reckless use of fireworks, and noted that the possession of fireworks for personal usage, in addition to possession of fireworks for the purpose of sale or supply, without an appropriate licence, is illegal, as well as the lighting of fireworks and throwing or igniting fireworks at any person or property.
She added that those caught with fireworks can face a maximum fine of €10,000 and / or up to five years imprisonment.
Garda Fahy further noted that fireworks can cause property damage, injuries and severe distress to people.
She concluded by appealing to people to ‘be responsible and safe’ ahead of both the darker months and Halloween 2026.