SIX arrests have been made in west Cork today as part of an operation targeting criminals.

The arrests under Operation Thor were made in relation to recent incidents of burglary, theft, possession of drugs for sale and supply, suspected drug driving and criminal damage.

A garda spokesman said that four men have already appeared in court, while a fifth man has been charged to appear in court at a later date.

The spokesman added: "Four adult cautions and three JLO (juvenile) cautions were also issued in relation to recent theft incidents."

The operation was carried out by local Gardaí along with members of the Detective Unit, Drugs Unit, Roads Policing Unit and members of the Armed Support Unit from Anglesea Street.

Back up was also provided by Revenue and Customs, Cork County Council-Environmental Protection Unit and the Road Safety Authority was also provided.

The spokesman said: "As part of the day of action, 2 multi-agency checkpoints were carried out on the N71, Toureen, Ballinhassig and on the R586, Ballyhalwick, Dunmanway. During the checkpoints a number of road traffic offences were detected. At the checkpoint in Ballinhassig, one driver was arrested on suspicion of drug driving, five fixed charge notices were issued (four for not tax and on for no nct), one detection was made by Customs and Revenue Officers for suspected green diesel and the Road Safety Authority detected two vehicles for having no DOE certs."

He added: "At the second checkpoint in Dunmanway, three drivers were issued fixed charged notices for driving whilst holding a mobile phone. During the checkpoints Gardaí also distributed crime prevention leaflets to motorists on yesterdays EUCPN Burglary Focus Day to help promote better home security. A crime prevention stand was also set up in Skibbereen where Gardaí engaged with the local community with the aim of raising awareness."