Over 150 new garda recruits have been assigned to a Garda operation aimed at controlling traffic over the festive season.
Operation Open City runs from today until Christmas Eve and is aimed minimising traffic disruption over the holidays.
In total, 153 of the nearly 200 newly attested Gardaí who passed out from Templemore last week have been assigned to the operation.
The operation will see Gardaí patrolling busy roads during core commuter hours – with a particular focus on traffic management in shopping areas.
Some 89 of the new recruits have been assigned to the Dublin region while 32 have been sent to both Cork and Limerick.
The remaining 44 have been assigned to border divisions.
Operation Open City will run alongside a new Christmas road safety campaign.
Gardaí are urging the public to:
- Be careful when withdrawing money from cash machines and financial institutions.
- Mind your belongings when in crowded areas. Use a handbag or shoulder bag that can be held securely.
- Don’t leave bags or valuables visible inside parked cars.
- Park your car in a controlled car park and retain the parking ticket on your person.
- Always lock your car securely when leaving it unattended, even for brief period.
- Report any incident to Gardaí, immediately.
