GARDAÍ made 90 arrests for begging or shoplifting in Cork City over Christmas, recovering an estimated €20,000 worth of stolen goods.

The figures were released following the conclusion of a Garda operation in the city centre focused on tackling organised begging and theft from shops.

There were 23 probationer gardaí assigned to assist in Christmas policing operations in the city, allowing for the deployment of additional high-visibility patrols, particularly in the busy shopping areas, as back-up to an existing shoplifting detection unit.

Gardaí made 44 arrests for begging and 46 for shoplifting in the Cork City Division in December.

Most arrests for begging were under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2011, which gives gardaí greater authority to deal with people found to be aggressively begging on the streets, or to be obstructing doorways or footpaths.

Chief Supt Barry McPolin said tackling theft from businesses is a constant battle. He said the dedicated Garda shoplifting unit will continue to carry out high-visibility patrols.

“If any retailers in Cork wish to discuss any aspect of keeping their business more secure, please contact your local station and we can arrange for our crime prevention officer or community gardaí to have a chat.”