LAST UPDATE | 21 Apr

GARDAÍ HAVE CHARGED two youths in response to recent hijackings along the Grand Canal Greenway in Dublin.

A high intensity policing operation was carried out today along the Grand Canal Greenway between Killeen Road, Dublin 10 and Grangecastle, Dublin 22.

The Grand Canal Greenway is a busy route used by walkers, runners and commuters on bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters.

In response to hi-jacking incidents of vehicles along the Grand Canal Greenway, gardaí have been engaged in a combination of covert and proactive patrols to identify suspects.

Today, gardaí executed 10 search warrants at homes in Ballyfermot, Clondalkin, Kilmainham and Lucan.   

During the course of the searches, gardaí seized two electric bicycles suspected to be stolen and two e-scooters suspected to have been used during robberies.

Gardaí also seized three electric bicycle batteries with the serial numbers removed, a bank card believed to have been stolen, and electronic devices of evidential value.

Two juveniles were arrested in connection with the investigation. A garda spokesperson this evening said the youths have since been charged and appeared in court, adding that investigations are ongoing. 

“As this matter is now before the courts there is no further information available,” the spokesperson said. 

The policing operation was carried out as part of Operation Meacán.

The aim of the operation is to tackle the use of electric vehicles, such as e-motorcycles, which are being used for criminal activity including drug dealing, money laundering, transporting firearms, drug related intimidation and other serious offences, the garda spokesperson said.