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Serial thief who ‘carried out 20 robberies’ arrested in retail crime crackdown

• Published: 16:15, 26 Jan 2023
• Updated: 16:15, 26 Jan 2023

A SERIAL thief who allegedly carried out 20 robberies was arrested as part of a massive crackdown on crime.

Twenty one people are set to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice tomorrow as part of an on-going operation to tackle retail crime.

The eight women and 13 men are charged with a total of 41 offences of theft.

They are all aged between 22 and 68 years of age.

Operation Pastern involves gardai reviewing old incidents and identifying repeat offenders.

In one of these cases, the individual was found to be connected to 20 incidents.

To date, Operation Pastern has resulted in 34 arrests made by gardai.

Thirty three of these arrests have led to charges and one youth has been referred to the Youth Diversion Bureau.

Twelvebench warrants have also been executed.

A garda spokesman said: “As part of an on-going operation to tackle retail crime in the DMR’s ‘R’ District, 21 persons (8 women and 13 men) are set to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin (Court No.4) on Friday, 27th January 2023 at 10.30am.

“The 21 people are aged between 22 and 68 years of age and they are charged with a total of 41 offences of theft.

“Operation ‘Pastern was established following an analysis of repeat, volume, and in some instances, organised crime.

“Operation Pastern so far has involved Gardaí reviewing old incidents.

“In some cases, a number of repeat offenders have been identified.

“In one such case, an individual was found to be connected to 20 incidents.

“Another aspect of the operation has seen Gardaí meet and liaise with the local business community and relevant stakeholders as part of efforts to tackle retail crime.

“To date, Operation Pastern has resulted in 34 arrests made by Gardaí.

“33 of these arrests have led to charges and one youth has been referred to the Youth Diversion Bureau. 12 bench warrants have also been executed.

“Investigations ongoing