Three men arrested in Meath in operation targeting an organised criminal gang suspected of committing burglaries

Gardaí have arrested three males as part of an intelligence led operation targeting an organised criminal gang suspected of committing burglaries of residential and commercial properties nationwide.

The search operation took place by Gardaí from the Meath/Westmeath Division with assistance from National units on Friday night, 6th December 2024. A high-powered car was stopped in Enfield, Co. Meath and a large sum of cash was seized along with a number of items used in the commission of burglaries.

During the course of the search, three males (aged in their 30s, 20s and a teenage juvenile) were arrested and are all currently detained at Garda Stations in the Eastern Region pursuant to Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006.

The operation forms part of Operation Thor, An Garda Síochána's national strategy targeting organised crime groups involved in burglaries and associated criminal activity.

A Garda spokesperson said: "Operation Thor, launched in November 2015, is designed to tackle the anticipated increase in the number of burglaries and associated criminal activity that usually occur in winter months by undertaking targeted enforcement and preventative activity. This initiative has successfully reduced the rate of winter burglaries, leading to a significant decline in property related crime since its introduction in 2015.

"The winter phase of Operation Thor commenced on the 1st October 2024 and will run until the end of March 2025."