Gardaí will be out in force throughout the country over the coming days.
Added checkpoints and increased crime patrols will be rolled out across the country this weekend as part of a high-visibility policing plan focussed on crime prevention and support for vulnerable people.
The plan came into effect at 7am on Friday (16 October) and is in support of Operation Fanacht and Operation Navigation, both of which will continue to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 as the number of cases escalates in Ireland on a daily basis.
The plan coincides with Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal moving to Level 4 of the government’s Living with Covid framework, which came into effect as of midnight on Thursday, as did increased restrictions on household visits for the rest of the country under Level 3.
As part of the plan, crime prevention patrols will be increased nationwide, particularly at locations such as public amenities, parks, and natural beauty spots.
Checkpoints with an enhanced focus on crime prevention and detection will also be rolled out nationwide.
As well as that, community Gardaí will work with individuals, community groups, statutory agencies, charities and local businesses to provide a range of services to assist and protect the most vulnerable.
An Garda Síochána says that Garda members will continue to engage with people to ensure compliance with public health guidelines and regulations through ‘the 4Es approach’ of engage, educate and encourage, and only where provided for and as a last resort, enforcement.
Commenting on the Garda operation to take place this weekend, Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said: “Since the start of the pandemic, Garda members throughout the country have being helping the vulnerable and those who feel isolated. This involved simple, but important tasks such as collecting their prescription, delivering their pension, or even socially distanced contact.
“If people need such assistance or know someone who does, please contact your local Garda station. We are here to help.”
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