Two women arrested in Garda operation targeting retail thefts

Two women have been arrested and over €3,000 worth of stolen goods recovered in a Garda operation targeting retail thefts in the Louth South area

As part of Operation Táirge, on Saturday 14th November 2026, Gardaí arrested two females in connection with an operation targeting retail thefts in the Louth South area.

During the course of the operation, which was conducted by Drogheda Gardaí and supported by members from Collon, Dunleer, Ardee and Dundalk Garda Stations, searches of residences in Drogheda and Dundalk, Co Louth were conducted.

A quantity of suspected stolen property with a value in excess of €3,050 was recovered including ladies clothing, high-value footwear, Christmas decorations and household goods.

The two adult females (one in her late teens and one in her 60’s), arrested in connection with the investigation, have since been charged, and are due to appear before Drogheda District Court (Court No. 1) on Monday 16th November 2026 at approximately 10.30am.

Operation Táirge is part of An Garda Síochána’s Crime Prevention and Reduction Strategy supporting operational activity aimed at detecting and preventing Organised Retail Crime (ORC).

Organised retail crime (ORC) typically refers to situations where a number of persons are acting together, targeting retailer outlets to steal significant quantities of goods to resell back into the retail supply chain through the black market. It can also involve refund fraud with the purpose of making a financial or material benefit. ORC is usually co-ordinated and well-organised by people who recruit others to commit theft from retailers.

Operation Táirge is led by the Organised Retail Crime Tasking and Co-ordination Group within An Garda Síochána and supports each Garda region to monitor and respond to emerging trends in their area.