KILDARE: Over 50 people arrested over two days in major policing operation

As part of Operation Thor and ongoing investigations into local criminal activity, Gardaí in the Kildare Division conducted two days of action on Wednesday focussing on North Kildare and Thursday focussing on South Kildare.

The two-day operation targeted people involved in retail crime and repeat offenders.

Gardaí from the local Kildare districts were assisted by the Armed Support Unit, Garda Mounted Unit and the Garda Dog Unit, in conducting a series of targeted, proactive patrols and searches.

Multi-agency checkpoints were conducted on the M4, M7 and M9 in an effort to disrupt the use of the motorways for committing crime. High-visibility patrols were also conducted on public transport.

A total of 52 persons were arrested over the course of two days; all persons have been charged and appeared before court for offences including Burglary, Assault, Driving under the Influence, Public Order and Criminal Damage. A series of bench warrants were also executed.

In addition, Gardaí seized 15 vehicles for Road Traffic Offences.

Speaking about the Operation Thor Days of Action, Inspector Paul Reilly from Leixlip Garda Station said, "The operation was extremely successfully in targeting the repeat offenders who prey on the retailers across Co. Kildare. This type of targeted operation will continue across the coming months with specific operations being put in place to drive down, detect and prosecute those involved in retail and associated crime.”

Operation Thor, launched in November 2015, is designed to tackle the anticipated increase in the number of burglaries and associated criminal activity that usually occur in winter months by undertaking targeted enforcement and preventative activity. This initiative has successfully reduced the rate of winter burglaries, leading to a significant decline in property related crime since its introduction in 2015.