GARDAÍ HAVE CHARGED 29 people as part of a major clampdown on retail crime in the Dublin 7 area.

The charges come under Operation Táirge, an ongoing garda investigation into theft, handling stolen goods, criminal damage and assaults on shop staff in the north inner city.

A total of 40 charges are being brought against 25 men and four women, aged between 18 and 60, in connection with 35 separate offences.

All 29 are due to appear before a judge at the Criminal Courts of Justice later this morning.

Gardaí said the latest phase of Operation Táirge is focused on tackling “organised retail crime”.

They added that they had targeted groups that had worked together to steal large quantities of goods, often reselling them through black market channels or using refund scams to make money.

In addition to those appearing in court today, one person received an adult caution. Another was referred to the National Juvenile Diversion Programme.

Gardaí have also been engaging with local businesses to provide reassurance and offer crime prevention advice following a recent rise in retail-related offences in the area.

A spokesperson said investigations are “ongoing”.