Operation Hawkeye 2 has been running for almost two months and has been directed primarily against theft from the person and other theft offences.
Gardaí from Store Street have arrested a further five people (three males and two females all in their 20s).
Eight people, including one juvenile, have appeared in court throughout the day. There were thirteen arrests in total.
Earlier press release refers - see below.
Garda Press Office
16.25hrs 28/5/08
Gardaí from Store Street this morning searched 19 premises and arrested 8 individuals as part of an ongoing operation into organised criminality in the city centre area.
Operation Hawkeye 2 has been running for almost two months and has been directed primarily against theft from the person and other theft offences.
Early this morning Gardai from Store Street supported by officers from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and accompanied by interpreters, conducted searches of 19 addresses in the North Circular Road and Marlborough Road areas.
A total of 8 persons (6 men and 2 women) have been arrested and are currently detained at Store Street and Mountjoy Garda Stations under the provisions of Section 4 of The Criminal Justice Act.
Those arrested are aged between 16 years and late 30s and are all of Romanian origin.
A small amount of property and a small quantity of drugs was seized during the searches and investigations are continuing.
Commenting on the operation, Chief Superintendent Mick Feehan said: "Thousands of people visit the city centre every day to work, to shop or to enjoy an evening out. The vast majority of them will have a safe and pleasant visit. Unfortunately, in recent months some people have fallen victim to thefts which are perpetrated by a small group of organised criminals. Today's operation is part of a determined and focused operation by members of An Garda Síochána which is directed at ensuring that Dublin city centre remains a secure and enjoyable place for everyone. We will continue to work with the community, partner agencies and the business community to maintain a safe and vibrant city centre into the future."
Note: Theft from the person is largely an opportunistic crime. Those responsible are on the look out for people who leave items such as handbags, wallets and phones unattended, leave goods visible in their cars or who do not pay sufficient attention to people in queues or crowds around them.
Thieves often use the fact that people are relaxed, concentrating on other matters or careless with their property to commit theft.
Brief crime prevention messages:
When shopping or in crowded areas be aware of your personal property in particular your handbag, wallet, cash, bank cards or mobile phone.
Be extra cautious of your belongings when someone offers you assistance, especially when you do not seem to need it or if there is some other form of distraction.
Be vigilant when using your mobile phone or MP3 player
Don't leave anything on display in your car.
Take all your belongings with you when you leave the car. If you can't, lock them in the boot, preferably before you start your journey.
Never leave your mobile phone, satellite navigation devices, MP3 player, laptop or Cash/Cheque Book/Credit Card in view.
Garda Press Office
28/5/08
