Gardaí in north Co Dublin have arrested three men and recovered six stolen cars during a planned operation targeting the activities of a gang who it is suspected have been stealing cars to order.
Operation Shannon began yesterday afternoon when local gardaí, backed up by the Garda Stolen Vehicles Unit, searched a premises at Westbrook Park in Ballbriggan.
During the search they recovered six cars, which it is believed were stolen in the local area over the preceding days.
The family-model cars, including Skodas, Audis, Fords and Toyotas, have been taken away for a technical examination.
Three men, aged 30, 20 and 46 were arrested at the scene and are being detained at Balbriggan and Ballymun Garda stations.
Gardaí believe the cars were sold on using false registration plates and counterfeit documents through online car sales websites.
As part of the operation, suspected stolen cars, which were sold days earlier to unsuspecting buyers, were recovered in Galway and Wexford.
Seven other vehicles have been recovered under similar circumstances by gardaí in recent weeks.
Prospective car buyers have been warned to be wary of sellers who insist on cash-only sales and demand to meet to carry out the transaction at a neutral venue.
They are also being advised to check documents thoroughly to ensure they are genuine and carry the correct security features.
