Gardaí announce increase in patrols in Clonmel town centre in run up to Christmas

An Garda Siochána is deploying more resources to tackle anti-social behaviour in Clonmel in the run up to Christmas in a new operation involving an increase in garda patrols around the town centre.

The Tipperary South Garda Community Engagement Area began the operation this Tuesday, November 5 in response to concerns raised by the local community.

The extra Garda visibility includes increased overt and covert patrols by gardaí in the town centre daily.

Uniformed garda will be on the beat alongside plain clothes officers to detect and respond swiftly to problem behaviour and crimes ranging from loitering, begging and harassment to public order offences, illegal drug use and drug dealing.

An Garda Siochána said gardaí from Tipperary South Community Engagement and Crime functional areas will be collaborating closely in this operation.

“All Garda units working within the Tipperary South Community Engagement Area will be aware of this operation and able to provide assistance when required.”

Inspector John Cleary of Clonmel Garda Station told The Nationalist the need to address anti-social behaviour had been a common theme in their recent discussions and engagement with community stakeholders in Clonmel including town centre businesses, the local authority and elected representatives.

He said this initiative is aimed at tackling their concerns.

Insp. Cleary said the greater visibility of gardaí on the beat will give greater assurance to businesses and people shopping in the town centre in the busy weeks leading up to Christmas.

“We are confident this operation will have a positive impact on the town centre.”

Insp. Cleary said at the moment the higher garda visibility operation is being rolled out in Clonmel up to Christmas and will be reviewed by the force to see whether it should be extended for a longer period.