Gardaí have seen a startling rise in begging offences in Dublin

Begging offences in Dublin city centre rose by 415% in 2015, according to new garda figures.

The data from the Dublin Joint Policing Committee also shows a 12% increase in crimes against the person, with the greatest increase coming in assaults (15%).

There were, however, 28% fewer cases of possesion of firearms, while drug offences dropped by 2%.

Burglaries fell by 16%, but public order offences rose 13% in 2014.

The most dramatic figure was for begging, with its 415% increase. In a year which saw a large increase in the number of homeless people in the city, there were 2,717 begging offences recorded.

It is illegal for someone to beg in an aggressive or intimidating manner, with a €500 fine or a month in prison the penalty.

Drugs offences rose by 2% in 2014.

Garda management also said they were happy with how operation Thor was progressing in the county.

The operation has been targetting specific individuals involved in crime, with 49 of the 310 arrests key prolific offenders identified prior to the operation.