TWENTY-FIVE PEOPLE were arrested as part of an ongoing Europe-wide operation targeting travelling criminals involved in metal theft.

Over 24 hour period from 7am on Monday 27 May, gardaí carried out 72 searches, 260 checkpoints and 402 targeted patrols.

Out of the twenty-five people arrested:

• One pleaded guilty in court on charges of handling metal.
• Three were charged with theft.
• One was charged with handling
• Three individuals were charged with burglary under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act.
• Ten were released pending a file to the director of public prosecutions.
• Two were released pending a juvenile liaison office referral.
• Three were charged with offences under Section 112 Road Traffic Acts.
• One appeared in court on foot of a bench warrant.
• One was charged with offences of obstruction.

A wide range of businesses and community organisations are affected by metal theft with items like beer kegs, copper wires, road signs, jewellry, lead roofs and goal posts being reported stolen.

There have also been a number of high profile thefts of precious objects, including sculptures and religious relics.

The operation was carried with assistance by officials from Revenue, the Department of Social Welfare and Social Protection, and local authorities.

Read: Beer kegs, road signs and goal posts go missing as metal thefts rise>