A number of armed gardai were forced to intervene during a daring overnight raid to recover stolen equipment, it has emerged.
The Armed Support Unit were stationed on the M7 at Ballydavis in Portlaoise, Co Laois, to signal a van to stop, flagging them down in order to investigate.
They had good reason to as well. Upon inspection of the van, a large amount of stolen goods were found inside the vehicle. Three men were arrested as a result.
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These included a quad, a chain saw, a strimmer and a trailer containing a power washer which was being towed which are also suspected to have been stolen
Gardai say that the owner has been identified for all property recovered.
A spokesperson told the Irish Daily Mirror:
"Three males in their 30s were arrested at scene. All three were brought to Portlaoise and Kildare Garda Stations where they were detained as per Section 4 Criminal Justice Act 1984; they continue to be questioned. This operation was ran under the Winter Phase of Operation Thor."
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