Galway Garda chief: arrests made on ‘gang’ crime social media videos

From the Galway City Tribune – Galway’s top Garda has moved to assure the public that arrests have been made in relation to ‘gang’ crime recorded in viral videos on social media.

Former mayor, Councillor Mike Cubbard (Ind) once again raised concerns at the latest Galway City Joint Policing Committee (JPC) meeting about “escalating gang crime”.

He specifically referenced instances of gang crime in Galway, which have been posted on social media.

Cllr Cubbard said he speaks with young people and youth organisations across Galway, who share his concerns about crimes that go viral on platforms such as WhatsApp and TikTok.

He sought assurances that Gardaí had resources to address this type of criminality.

Chief Superintendent Gerard Roche confirmed he had resources and arrests had been made.

“Videos of persons engaged in violence or criminal acts are posted on social media on occasion. These types of incidents are not a regular occurrence.

“Where they do occur, An Garda Síochána conduct a thorough investigation. Arrests have been made and offenders have been brought before the courts.

“Community Engagement Gardaí work closely with the detectives and Drug Unit personnel to prevent incidents of this nature where possible,” Chief Supt Roche said.