A suspected prolific shoplifting gang has been intercepted by gardaí following a raid on a home in north Cork.

Almost €10,000 worth of stolen goods, including alcohol, footwear, drills, hoovers, toothpaste and cleaning products were recovered by gardaí from a home in the Ballyhea area of Charleville.

Two men, both aged in their 20s, were arrested. They have been detained in a garda station in Co. Cork under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

The raid is part of ongoing investigations into multiple incidents of theft in the southern region.

A garda operation has particularly targeted theft from major retailers including Lidl, Aldi and Tesco in the greater Cork area.

Two men arrested after gardaí seized stolen items worth over €9,300 during a search in Co Cork. Picture: An Garda Síochána CorkTwo men arrested after gardaí seized stolen items worth over €9,300 during a search in Co Cork. Picture: An Garda Síochána Cork

Gardaí from the Cork County Crime Division, assisted by members of the Cork North West Community Engagement Area, conducted the search in Ballyhea.

“As a result of the searches, a large quantity of stolen items exceeding the value of €9,300 has been recovered.

“Two vehicles have also been seized,” a garda statement said.

Two men arrested after gardaí seized stolen items worth over €9,300 during a search in Co Cork. Picture: An Garda Síochána CorkTwo men arrested after gardaí seized stolen items worth over €9,300 during a search in Co Cork. Picture: An Garda Síochána Cork

Investigations are ongoing.