Parking inspector and wife arrested for €1m meter theft

Parking Inspector and Wife Arrested for Alleged €1 Million Meter Theft

Authorities in Dublin have arrested a city parking inspector and his wife after an investigation revealed they may have stolen more than €1 million from parking meters over several years.

The couple, whose identities have not been released pending further legal proceedings, was taken into custody early on Wednesday morning following a series of raids on their home and related properties. Police said the operation was part of a long-running probe into discrepancies in the city’s parking revenue.

How the Theft Allegedly Happened

Investigators believe the couple manipulated the city’s parking meters over several years to divert coins and cash collected into private accounts. Authorities noted the scheme was sophisticated and involved both physical tampering with the machines and exploiting administrative loopholes.

City officials said the inspector had access to the meters for maintenance and routine checks, which allowed him to allegedly bypass standard accounting and oversight procedures. The wife is reported to have assisted in managing and hiding the proceeds.

Police Statement and Investigation

The Gardaí confirmed the arrests and said the investigation is ongoing. Spokesperson Sergeant Kevin O’Leary said the theft represents a serious breach of public trust. He emphasized that the probe could uncover additional individuals who may have been involved or benefited from the scheme.

“Ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public funds is a top priority,” O’Leary said. “This case demonstrates our commitment to investigating all allegations of financial misconduct, regardless of the parties involved.”

City Officials Respond

The Dublin City Council expressed shock and disappointment over the alleged theft. Council spokesperson Fiona Murphy said the city is conducting an internal audit to ensure no further losses and to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“The alleged actions of one individual and his family are not representative of the public service,” Murphy said. “We are fully cooperating with Gardaí and taking measures to improve monitoring and financial oversight of all city operations.”

Public Reaction

The news has sparked widespread concern among Dublin residents, who called for stricter controls and greater transparency in public services. Many have expressed outrage that such a large amount of money could be stolen without detection for so long.

Social media platforms saw a wave of comments demanding reforms in city management and closer audits of municipal employees who handle public funds.

Next Steps

The couple is expected to appear in court later this week, where prosecutors will detail the allegations and charges. Authorities have indicated that additional arrests or charges could follow as the investigation continues.

Dublin City Council said it will implement enhanced security measures on parking meters and increase audits to ensure all city revenue is properly accounted for.