Senior garda warns of expected increase in activity from criminal gangs

In particular, staycationers and rural dwellers are being warned to watch out for burglars or thieves targeting cars after a decline in such activity in recent months.

Senior gardaí warned about an expected increase in activity by criminal gangs that had been lying low due to the increase in garda checkpoints. Stock Image.

A senior garda has warned people living in rural communities in Co Cork that criminals are chomping at the bit and will be hunting targets when they shortly come out of Covid-19 hibernation.

Many criminal gangs have stayed at home through enforced lockdowns, fearing they may stumble upon a huge increase in garda checkpoints. But as the number of those ease as travel restrictions lift, criminals will also get back to business, according to Inspector Ian O'Callaghan who is in charge of Roads Policing and Crime Prevention in the Cork West Garda Division.