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West Cork gardaí step up Operation Thor checkpoints and beat patrols

April 12th, 2018 5:05 PM

By Southern Star Team

West Cork gardaí on patrol at an Operation Thor checkpoint outside Innishannon.

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Gardaí in the West Cork division have increased Operation Thor checkpoints

GARDAÍ in the West Cork division have increased Operation Thor checkpoints, beat patrols and have been visiting businesses throughout the division giving crime prevention advice in order to combat burglaries at business premises.

 In response to recent break-ins, gardaí have stepped up both uniform and plain clothes patrols, as well as setting up more checkpoints at particular times of risk on specific road networks that have been identified. 

 Gardaí are advising businesses not to keep cash on site overnight where possible and to have CCTV backed up regularly and stored in a safe place. 

Gardaí have attended incidents recently where phone lines and ESB cables have been cut, as well as extensive damage caused to the property in order to break in to businesses.

 Speaking at Bandon garda station last week, Sgt Ian O Callaghan appealed to all business owners to be extra vigilant at this time due to increased criminal activity targeting commercial premises in recent weeks across the region. 

‘It is imperative business owners or managers have good quality CCTV, hard drive safely stored, monitored intruder alarm with sufficient shock sensors at potential entry points, back-up alarm in case intruders try to disarm system, minimal or no cash exposure, time-lock safes, sound cash-handling habits, good opening and closing procedures, as well as a keyholder policy. 

‘Safe storage of cigarettes is also very important and ensuring efficient stock controls of this product are in place,’ said Sgt O’Callaghan.

He added: ‘If anybody would like to contact me for advice on how to keep your premises safer, be it your home or business, please contact me at [email protected] 023-8852200 or 086-8282333.’

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