Stolen Scissor Lift Driven Through Cork City Streets in Ireland

30-Second Takeaway

Four men were filmed driving a stolen rough-terrain scissor lift through the streets of Cork, Ireland, on Sunday night, striking bollards and travelling onto public roads. The Genie GS-5390 lift, rented from Height for Hire, was taken from St Patrick’s Quay and driven for approximately 15 minutes before being stopped by Gardaí at a roadblock on South Gate Bridge. Two men were arrested, and no injuries were reported.

Incident Overview

An incident involving the unauthorised use of access equipment occurred in Cork City, Ireland, on Sunday evening November 2nd at approximately 20:30.

A rough-terrain scissor lift was stolen from St Patrick’s Quay and driven through city streets, including Grand Parade, before being intercepted by police.

The incident was recorded on video by members of the public and quickly circulated online.

What Is Known

• Location: Cork City, Ireland

• Date: Sunday

• Time: Approximately 20:30

• Equipment involved: Genie GS-5390 rough-terrain scissor lift

• Rental company: Height for Hire

• Duration: Approximately 15 minutes

• Injuries: None reported

During the incident, the lift was driven at speed and struck multiple bollards before entering open public roads.

Police Response and Arrests

Gardaí (Irish police) responded quickly and established a roadblock on South Gate Bridge as the machine attempted to cross the River Lee.

• Two men, aged 20 and 31, were arrested

• Arrests were made on suspicion of criminal damage

• The men were detained for questioning

• Other individuals involved fled the scene

Police noted that forensic evidence, including fingerprints on the platform, may assist in identifying the remaining suspects.

Official Garda Statement

A Garda spokesperson confirmed:

“An unauthorised taking of a utility vehicle at St Patrick’s Quay occurred at approximately 8.30pm on Sunday. The vehicle was located on South Gate Bridge, Cork City and two men were arrested and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda Station in Cork City.”

Why Incidents Like This Can Occur

Unauthorised access to MEWPs often occurs when:

• Equipment is left unsecured on public-facing sites

• Ignition or control isolation is insufficient

• Sites lack physical barriers or monitoring

• Machines are left operational outside working hours

Once stolen, heavy access equipment poses a serious public safety risk, particularly on live roads.

Industry Reminder

While no injuries occurred, incidents involving stolen access equipment on public roads carry extreme risk to pedestrians, motorists, and operators.

This event highlights the importance of equipment security, site controls, and end-of-shift isolation procedures, particularly in urban environments.

Editorial Note

Crane Hub Global reports on crane and access-equipment incidents to support industry awareness and prevention. This article reflects confirmed information available at the time of publication and will be updated if further details are released.

How Incidents Like This Can Be Prevented

Equipment Immobilisation

MEWPs should be isolated, keyed out, or immobilised when not in use.

Physical Security Measures

Barriers, fencing, and strategic parking can prevent unauthorised access from public areas.

Site Monitoring

Lighting, CCTV, and alarms reduce theft risk and improve response time.

Public-Road Proximity Planning

Sites near public roads should apply enhanced security controls for mobile equipment.

Rapid Reporting

Immediate reporting of unauthorised use helps authorities intercept equipment before escalation.