Operation Acer: Gardaí arrest 11 burglary suspects in Dublin

Eleven Garda targets have been arrested by detectives in Dublin over the last number of days in connection with several burglaries.

The arrests were part of Operation Acer, which is a Garda strategy targeted against those involved in burglaries.

Five of the eleven were charged, two are in prison on a committal ward, while the other four were released and files have been sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

A further fifteen people were arrested for burglary related incidents. Seven of these were charged while files for the other eight have been sent to the DPP.

Six searches were carried out for known targets of Operation Acer in an effort to execute outstanding court orders.

Operation Acer commenced in March 2012 and provides “a focussed, targeted and integrated approach” to arresting criminals involved in committing burglaries and related offences in the Dublin Metropolitan Region.

Senior investigating officer Det Supt Peter O’Boyle said the operation provides both a “preventative and detection element” focused on geographical areas and specific targets.

Operation Fiacla

Operation Acer supports Operation Fiacla, the national operation set up to tackle criminals who travel inter-regionally.

In an effort to increase public awareness of crime prevention, Assistant Commissioner in Dublin John Twomey said: "[WE] are currently increasing our efforts to target known criminals who engage in burglaries. We are asking people to take all reasonable precautions with respect to their homes and property during the Christmas period."

In the run up to Christmas, people are asked to take a few precautions to ensure that they do not fall victim to burglaries.

The following steps are advised:

* Secure all doors and windows and use your alarm

*Don’t leave Christmas presents in view from the outside of your home

*If you’re expecting deliveries, always make sure someone is there to collect it or arrange for a trusted neighbour to take it in

*If you’re going away for Christmas, make your home looks occupied, leave a light on and get a trusted neighbour to check on your property