Suspected shoplifter arrested

Observant gardaí who were on patrol in Mullingar on Christmas Eve detained a man who they suspected had been involved in shoplifting.

According to a garda report, the man was carrying a holdall which was foil lined, and he had been going around various shops in the middle of Mullingar.

The purpose of the foil was to neutralise the sensors attached to goods but it was not clear if the man detained had carried out any thefts in advance of his arrest.

It is understood he will be appearing before the courts in due course.