A married couple in their 50s have appeared in court in Dublin following several arrests by Gardai as part of an operation to tackle the large number of burglaries in the South East.

John and Ann Cash of Tullow, Co Carlow have been bailed on their own bonds to appear in court again in Naas and Kilkenny next week.

Both are charged with theft offences and with possessing bolt cutters, a knife and a wrench at an address in Kilcullen, Co Kildare on January 31st last.

54 year old Ann Cash is also charged with burglary at a house in Dunmore, Kilkenny on May 1st last.