Caravan and jeep seized in connection with 'mid-Leinster' burglaries - Kilkenny Live

Gardaí have arrested a man and seized a Toyata Landcruiser jeep as part of investigations into burglaries in mid-Leinster.

Garda HQ says gardaí in Kildare arrested one man and seized a number of vehicles on Wednesday, February 1 as part of an investigation undertaken under Operation Thor, targeting the activities of criminals suspected of being involved in burglaries in the mid-Leinster area.

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A statement said detectives intercepted a vehicle they believed was carrying stolen property in the Athy area at about 10:50 am on Wednesday, February 1.

A man in his late 20s was arrested at the scene and detained at Kildare Garda Station under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

A caravan was seized by Gardaí which was suspected to have been stolen. In a subsequent follow-up search, Gardaí seized a 231 Toyota Landcruiser which was also suspected to be the proceeds of crime. 

Investigations are ongoing.

Gardaí say 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.

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"This initiative has successfully reduced the rate of winter burglaries, leading to a significant decline in property related crime since its introduction in 2015," say the guards.

The Winter Phase of Operation Thor was launched in September 2022.