RTE colleagues are said to be ‘very shocked’ at the theft of the motor owned by their much loved colleague
RTE suffered a “serious security breach” as sports presenter Des Cahill had his car stolen from their Montrose car park.

The brazen theft happened on Wednesday morning while Des, 66, appeared on RTE Radio 1’s Morning Ireland.

It was later recovered, but The Irish Sun have learned it could be a several days before the vehicle is returned to the star as Gardai carry out forensic tests.

An RTE insider told us: “Des went outside to get his car after the show — and it was gone.

“He was very upset and pretty incredulous that he could have his car stolen from the RTE car park.”

They added: “It’s supposed to be secure.

“RTE have spent a lot of money on security lately with new gates and barriers.

“Everybody needs a pass to get into the car park, or you need to approach the security barrier. But leaving in a car, the barrier lifts automatically when you drive out.”

RTE colleagues are said to be “very shocked” at the theft of the motor owned by their much loved colleague Des.

And the fact it happened when he was on air has led to fears from other station stars that their vehicles might also be targeted when they are on radio or TV.

A station insider told us: “There have been bikes stolen from the car park but now cars are getting stolen too. This is a really serious security breach.”

RTE was once surrounded by a ring of steel while the Troubles were ongoing in the North, as the UVF bombed the station in 1969.

SECURITY AT RTE

However, staff claim security at RTE now is not the same.

One RTE member told The Irish Sun: “The pedestrian gate outside the radio centre is only waist high, which means you can lean over and press the button to gain entry.

“You’d only have to tailgate somebody after that, through the doors into the radio building, down the stairs, and find yourself with access to the national airwaves from an empty studio.

They added: “I think after what happened to Des, other presenters will be wondering, ‘Is my car safe in RTE?’”

REPLICA CAR ROB FEAR

Not even what looks like a garda presence in RTE’s car park put thieves off stealing Des’ car.

A source told The Irish Sun: “There are expensive replica Garda cars in the RTE car park which are used on Fair City. Everyone is waiting for one of them to get robbed.”

Des Cahill was absent from the airwaves today but is due to be back on Morning Ireland on Friday.

GARDAI INVESTIGATING

In a statement, the national broadcaster said: “While RTE takes matters of security very seriously and keeps the safety of staff and visitors to our sites under ongoing review, RTE does not comment on security matters.”

Contacted by The Irish Sun, Des declined to comment.

However, friends of the pundit claim that he doesn’t want to say anything which might interfere with the Garda investigation.

The Garda Press office said: “Gardai are investigating the unauthorised taking of a vehicle that occurred in Donnybrook, Dublin 4, at approximately 7.20am on November 26, 2025.

“The stolen car was located later that afternoon and brought for technical examination.

“Investigations are ongoing.”

Former Sunday Game host Des stepped down from hosting RTE’s flagship GAA TV show in 2022.

He enjoyed a stint on Dancing With The Stars in 2017 when he performed the Dessie Swim dressed as Austin Powers with dance partner Karen Byrne.