15 arrested in major crackdown on crime in Kilkenny

By COLIN BARTLEY

GARDAI have arrested 15 people and recovered a quantity of drugs, as part of Operation Storm aimed at preventing crime in county Kilkenny.

One man has been charged already and is due in court later today.

Up to 100 gardai are taking part in the operation including 26 trainee gardai and armed units.

The arrests have been made in relation to burglary, theft, criminal damage and drug offenses.

Numerous checkpoints and a number of searches are taking place across the city and county, as well as in counties Waterford, Carlow and in South Tipperary.

Operation Storm is aimed at preventing crime, disrupting criminal activity, arresting criminals wanted on warrant and to enhance garda relations with the public.

Checkpoints were put up near MacDonagh Junction, Johnstown, Castlecomer and other parts of county Kilkenny as well as on approach roads to Kilkenny city.

Gardai are also going around to towns in Kilkenny as part of the operation giving out crime prevention advice to the public concerning winter burglaries and car security.

Gardai have launched over 30 planned days as part of Operation Storm in the past five years. Earlier this year, 55 people were arrested in one day of action.