BREAKING: Gardai arrest 34 people in major operation in Limerick town

AROUND 40 gardai swooped on Kilmallock in a planned operation shortly after first light this Tuesday morning.

Thirty four arrests were made by officers from Limerick County Community Engagement Functional Area, and Limerick Divisional Crime Functional area in a joint day of action.

The intelligence-led operation was supported by Limerick Divisional Roads Policing Unit, Regional Armed Support Unit, and gardaí from Clare / Tipperary Division, along with Customs and Revenue, the Department of Social Protection and Limerick City and County Council's dog warden.

A garda spokesperson said the operation included detecting and preventing theft and fraud, and organised retail crime offences; enforcement of road traffic legislation; and control of dogs legislation targeting the possession of controlled breeds.

"As part of the operation, which involved over 40 garda personnel, a residential property was searched and four multi-agency checkpoints were conducted.

"A total of 34 people were arrested for various alleged offences, including outstanding bench warrants and three arrests under Operation Tairge," said a garda spokesperson.

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One vehicle was detected by customs with Green Diesel and a fine was levied. One pit bull dog was seized by Limerick City and County Council.

"Three males were arrested in connection with the operation, and are currently detained pursuant to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, at garda stations in the County Limerick and County Tipperary areas," said a garda spokesperson.

County Limerick Superintendent Michael Fleming said An Garda Síochána are committed to ensuring people feel safe in their communities and that those that seek to impinge on this sense of security know that they will be targeted and face the full rigours of the law.

"This morning, in support of our ethos of ‘Keeping People Safe’, members of An Garda Síochána in the Limerick County Community Engagement Functional Area, Limerick Crime Functional Area, Regional Armed Support Unit, and Limerick Divisional Roads Policing Unit, supported by colleagues from other State Agencies, including Customs and Revenue, the Department of Social Protection and Limerick City and County Council, conducted a series of operations across Limerick County, with a specific focus on the Kilmallock area.  

"Today’s operation was designed to target and disrupt the activity of recidivist criminals residing in our communities. A key element was to secure the arrest of these individuals and to bring them before the Criminal Courts of Justice," said Supt Fleming.

He said in excess of 40 members of An Garda Síochána were involved in today’s operation, which commenced with targeted arrests and searches at first light, and as a result 34 people have been arrested for a variety of offences.

"In addition to the arrests, a restricted breed of dog was seized and a commercial vehicle was detected with green diesel by Customs Officers," said Supt Fleming, who thanked the people of Limerick County for their ongoing support and to take this opportunity to once again reassure them of "our commitment to keeping them safe".

Bruff-based Inspector Gearoid Thompson wished to thank all his colleagues involved in the day of action.

"These large operations don't happen by accident. There is a lot of planning and work that goes on in the background so thank you to all my colleagues and other agencies who answered our call," said Insp Thompson.