Weeks of high-visibility, proactive policing in Cork City through the Christmas and New Year period look to have taken persistent criminals off our streets and lessened thefts and anti-social behaviour in the city centre.
The operation – from November 25th to January 6th – was in response to concerns raised by city centre traders and local representatives, who had asked for greater visibility and a more robust approach from senior Gardai tasked with policing Leeside.
And today, the force has released details of a very successful spell, which city centre traders and other stake-holders will be hoping is translated into the approach towards combatting persistent thefts, drug dealing and anti-social behaviour in Cork city through 2025.
A Garda spokesperson today said 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.”
From late November to the New Year, patrols were carried out in the City centre, Mahon Point Centre and Retail Park and at Blackpool Shopping Centre and Retail Park.
And 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.
The cases include:
- One male who had 7 incidents of theft committed was brought before the Courts and remanded in custody.
- One male arrested for burglary and theft offences in the City and remanded in custody.
- One male who had committed 8 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. This significantly reduced negative impact on retail business in the City and suburbs.
There were also numerous searches of persons suspected of offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 were conducted in the City centre impacting positively on street dealing and related activity.
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.
The spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána Cork conducted this operation after extensive conversations with local stakeholders. While the operation has now ceased, Gardaí will remain in the City centre, operating both in overt and covert capacities to support the community.”