Over 30 people arrested as part of Operation Storm with checkpoints around Carlow

Carlow Gardaí are out in force this Tuesday as part of Operation Storm with checkpoints set up around the county and a number of planned searches to be carried out.

The massive operation boasts 80 uniformed and plain clothes Gardaí who are backed up by 25 students from the Garda Training College.

The operation is being carried out under the supervision of Chief Superintendent of the Carlow/Kilkenny Division, Dominic Hayes and Superintendent of the Carlow District, Aidan Brennan.

There have been 32 people arrested and charged with various offences on Tuesday ranging from burglary, theft, criminal damage, sexual offences and endangerment. 

Eighteen people have been charged and three of these have been dealt with through the Juvenile Liaison Officer. In seven cases a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions and four others are ongoing. 

There have been fifteen warrants executed and six premises searched with stolen property recovered. Five cars have also been turned over for illegal fuel. 

One person is in custody under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and is being questioned in connection with an offence. 

There is also a strong community engagement focus as part of the operation.

Gardaí held a multi-agency meeting at An Gairdín Beo in relation to older person services development and security. 

They also launched The Garda Cup Annual Football Challenge which will see eight GAA clubs battle it out on Sunday in Palatine for the coveted trophy (a full report on this launch will be on Carlow Live on Wednesday).

The Garda Dog Unit, the Garda Mounted Unit and the Air Support Unit have also been assisting the operation in schools around the county. 

The targeted deployment of resources in the Carlow District aims to disrupt criminal elements and will also see Garda members providing crime prevention advice to residents.  

Gardaí are also joined by their partners in the Department of Social Protection and customs officials as part of the operation. 

Checkpoints around the county will be ongoing throughout the day on Tuesday.