Six people have been arrested in two separate garda operations as they investigate a violent attack on an Offaly farmer and a spate of burglaries in the midlands.
Four men were arrested last night in Lucan, Co Dublin, after they were intercepted by gardaí following reports of a burglary in Mullingar, Co Westmeath.
It is believed that they left Dublin earlier in the day in a stolen high-powered vehicle.
The men, one in his 60s, one in his 20s and two in their 30s, are all from Dublin and have been taken to Mullingar Garda Station for questioning.
They were in possession of jewellery and what is believed to be house-breaking equipment.
In a separate operation, two men were arrested in Co Kildare.
It is part of an investigation into an aggravated burglary at the home of 54-year-old Richie McKelvey near Birr.
A new crime taskforce has been established in the Laois-Offaly area, while the latest phase of Operation Thor aims to crack down on burglaries during the winter months.
Assistant Commissioner John O'Driscoll has requested that all detective superintendents gather intelligence regarding gangs who are travelling around the country, committing burglaries and using the motorway network.
