Four charged after gardaí conduct searches across Wicklow targeting those involved in burglary, theft and drugs
An imitation firearm was seized in the operation
Four people have been charged after gardaí carried out searches across Co Wicklow as part of a 'day of action' targeting those involved in burglary, theft and drug related offences.
A total of six people had been arrested and an imitation firearm seized after gardaí conducted searches of 13 locations on the morning of May 23.
'Gardaí have since charged four of these individuals in relation to this operation and they will appear in court at a later date,' a Garda spokesperson said today.
'Two individuals have been released without charge and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
'During the day of action six individuals were arrested for driving offences and a total of 16 vehicles were detained under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1961.'
Uniform gardaí from across the county were backed up by the Detective Unit, Roads Policing Unit, Garda Armed Support Unit and Air Support Unit during the planned operation.
An imitation firearm that was seized was sent for ballistic analysis.
Gardaí also conducted more than 80 checkpoints over the course of Operation Thor which involves investigations into those suspected of committing burglaries and theft offences in Co Wicklow.
An imitation firearm was seized in the operation
Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 27th
'Today's operation follows the arrest of 12 other people over the past ten days who have been wanted on warrant for failing to appear in court,' a Garda spokesperson said at the time.
'Furthermore, more than €100,000 worth of drugs have been seized by gardaí in the past two weeks and two people arrested.
'One person is now before the courts in connection with this seizure in Co. Wicklow.'
Gardai added that throughout the day, crime and burglary patrols, both covert and high visibility, were carried out along with a series of checkpoints.
A number of road traffic and crime related detections were made.
Chief Superintendent Derek Hughes from the Wexford Wicklow Division said: "When a person's home is broken into or someone has had their possessions taken from them, it can leave a lasting impact and really affect their sense of safety and privacy.
'It's an invasion and causes huge upset.
"Gardaí across Wicklow have been working around the clock to fully investigate the crimes that have been committed, and are determined to continue detecting and preventing criminals from profiting from the hardship of others – our work this month demonstrates our commitment to robustly investigate and prosecute offenders who engage in this type of crime.'
Operation Thor was launched in November 2015 to tackle an increase in the number of burglaries and associated criminal activity by 'undertaking targeted enforcement and preventative activity'.
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