12 arrested during Garda operation targeting retail theft in Wicklow

By Darragh McCann, The Wicklow People

Gardaí arrested 12 people as part of a planned day of action targeting retail theft and associated offending across the Greystones District and Newtownmountkennedy Sub-District.

An Garda Síochána carried out the operation on Monday, August 10, as part of Operation Tairge.

Gardaí said targets were identified prior to the operation.

A specialist unit of four gardaí make up the team, which is focused on tackling retail theft as part of an active, results-based approach to policing.

In a statement, gardaí said: “The operation was designed to provide a high visibility Garda presence within the local community, with gardaí carrying out extensive foot, mountain bike and mobile patrols throughout the day.”

Community Policing gardaí also worked with public transport operators to tackle reports of anti-social behaviour on local bus routes.

This included the L2 route from Sea Road in Newcastle to Bray Dart station, as well as on the Dart from Greystones to Bray.

Gardaí from local units were supported by members of the Divisional Traffic Unit, with checkpoints and additional patrols carried out throughout the day. The Greystones Detective Unit also provided assistance throughout the day.

During the checkpoints, gardaí arrested several motorists for drug driving, driving while disqualified and some minor summons matters.

All 12 were either brought before Bray District Court, where they were all granted bail, or granted station bail.

The operation is expected to form part of an ongoing push by gardaí for monthly operations.

Garda Joe Ahern with a member of Dealz staff after returning the merchandise. © An Garda Siochana

On August 13, gardaí posted on social media that they had been alerted by a member of the public that a suspect had allegedly stolen items from a local retail premises and was attempting to flee the area.

The stolen property was recovered and subsequently returned to Dealz on Bray Main Street. They were charged, released and are due before Bray District Court in the coming weeks.