Gardaí detect 63 incidents of theft in Cork city centre over Christmas period

Some 63 incidents of theft were detected in Cork city centre during a six week Garda operation, with several repeat offenders now remanded in custody.

An Garda Síochána Cork conducted a Christmas and New Year high visibility operation from the November 25 2024 to January 6.

The aim of this operation was to enhance Garda presence within the city by day and night in order to provide a proactive policing response and ensure the safety and security of the Public, Business Community, Tourists and Transport Operators.

Patrols were carried out in the city centre, Mahon Point Centre and Retail Park and at Blackpool Shopping Centre and Retail Park.

As a result of this operation, 63 incidents of theft were detected in the City centre.

Notable and repeat offenders have been arrested, charged and appeared before the Cork District Court, including one male who had seven incidents of theft committed. He was brought before the courts and remanded in custody.

Another male was arrested for burglary and theft offences in the city and remanded in custody, while a third male, who had committed eight incidents of theft, was detected, arrested and remanded in custody.

Various other offenders were identified, arrested and brought before the courts where strict bail conditions were applied, with a Garda spokesperson saying: “This significantly reduced negative impact on retail business in the City and suburbs.” 

Numerous searches of persons suspected of offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 were also conducted in the city centre, “impacting positively on street dealing and related activity,” the spokesperson added.

Gardaí have also arrested two youths found breaking into vehicles in the Mahon area. They have since been arrested and charged and appeared before the Cork District Court.

An Garda Síochána Cork conducted this operation after extensive conversations with local stakeholders.

While the operation has now ceased, Gardaí have assured that they will “remain in the city centre, operating both in overt and covert capacities to the community”.