Thirty (30) people have been arrested by Gardaí as part of Operation Thor – 'Project Storm' a policing initiative aimed at preventing crime, disrupting criminal activity and enhancing community engagement in the Kilkenny/ Carlow Division. The arrests were made during the period 11th February 2019 – 13th February 2019. In support of this operation searches and arrests were supported by armed checkpoints and were conducted on the approach roads to Kilkenny City and in County Kilkenny. Personnel monitored Operation Thor targets and the activities of local criminals by means of checkpoints. Crime Prevention leaflets and RSA Hi Visibility clothing were handed out to members of the public to increase the awareness of protection of personal property and possessions. A total of 55 checkpoints have been conducted to date.
The 30 arrests were for various offences including the Misuse of Drugs Act, Road Traffic Acts and Warrants.
Chief Superintendent Dominic Hayes and Superintendent Derek Hughes called to Castlecomer Daycare Centre, Co Kilkenny. There were number of community engagement activities conducted, including visits to local National Schools in Mooneenroe, Clogh and Firoda National Schools in Co Kilkenny with Community Engagement teams and Garda Mounted Unit.
A total of twenty-six (26) Trainee Gardaí from the Garda College Templemore assisted with the operation. While providing an extra visible presence they gain valuable learning experience regarding the running of a major policing operation. They observed the execution of warrants, arrests of suspects, prisoner management, conducting of checkpoints, court procedure and community engagement. The Trainee Gardaí received a debrief following the operation.
