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11th Jul 2018

Gardaí issue statement after footage surfaces of Garda cutting bike lock during Royal visit

Carl Kinsella

Garda Dublin bikes

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning.

An Garda Síochána came under scrutiny on social media on Wednesday morning after footage was captured of a Garda sawing open a bike lock and removing a bike from Camden Street.

The Gardaí have since issued a statement on the matter, clarifying that “the bikes were removed to mitigate any potential hazard or interruption to the VIPs as they were parked directly on front of a designated entrance”.

The VIPs in question are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who are visiting Ireland this week.

The Gardaí went on to clarify that the bikes are being held at Pearse Street Garda Station for collection. The owners will also be reimbursed for the cost of their bike locks.

The statement in full reads:

“While An Garda Siochana does not comment on the details of security measures for VIP events, two bikes were removed from the Camden Street area by Gardaí today 11th July 2018 and taken to Pearse Street Garda Station were they can be collected by the owners. The locks on these bikes were also removed by Gardaí and the owners will be fully reimbursed.”

“The bikes were removed to mitigate any potential hazard or interruption to the VIPs as they were parked directly on front of a designated entrance. There was an order in place for the area under section 21 of the Criminal Justice / Public Order act. An Garda Siochana apologises for any inconvenience caused in this incident.”

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