Its aim is to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Rivers and lakesides in the midlands will see an increased Garda presence as part of a new operation.
Tackling anti-social behaviour in seven areas in Westmeath is the aim of Operation Coinním, which will run until the end of August.
Gardaí are also advising lake goers to ensure their vehicles are secure when left unattended in car parks, as thousands of euros worth of property are stolen from cars each year.
Crime Prevention Officer in Westmeath, Sergeant John McWalter, says there's been an increase in anti-social behaviour levels since the pandemic:
Gardaí will specifically be tackling the following in Operation Coinním:
- Provide a high visibility presence at lakeside and Seasonal Recreation Areas during the
- Summer Months of July & August 2023.
- Enhance public safety and address anti-social behaviour.
- Engage with the public and provide crime prevention advice.
- Prevent seasonal increases in crimes associated with Seasonal Recreation Areas in the
- Summer Months including Property Crime, Thefts from MPVs, Criminal Damage, Public
- Order Offences etc.
The areas which will see an increased Garda presence in Westmeath are:
- Hudson Bay
- River Shannon, Athlone Town
- Coosan Point, Athlone
- Portlick, Glasson
- Lough Ennell at Lilliput in Castletown Geoghegan.
- Lough Ennell Mullingar
- Lough Owel Mullingar
Five Men In Court Over Midlands Violent Disorder Incident
Court Told Fighter Held Knife To Woman's Chest In House Raid Weeks Before Killing His Mother
HSE Dublin And Midlands Launches Winter Flu And Covid-19 Vaccination Programme
SETU Secures Over €140k To Expand Higher Education Access For Prisoners
454 Patients Waiting For Hospital Beds Nationwide
Westmeath Wins Best Age Friendly Programme In Ireland
Over €300k In Funding Available For Offaly Community Projects
Midlands Sees 83% Surge In New Electric Vehicles In Past Year