Two men have been charged in connection with Garda investigations into burglaries in the County Offaly area.

Yesterday, Gardaí carried out a series of planned searches at residential properties in the Birr area.

The two men - aged 18 and 19 - were arrested, and detained at Birr Garda Station.

They have since been charged and released from Garda custody, and are due to appear before Tullamore District Court on February 15th.

The searches came as part of Operation Thor, the national Garda anti-crime strategy.