Gardai patrolling the streets in Dublin have been told to get tough on crime. A new policy of increased Garda visibility has been introduced in the capital in recent weeks with a focus on tackling anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, aggressive begging, thefts and shoplifting.

Foot patrols will be concentrated on O’Connell St, Henry St, Talbot St and Bachelor Quay in particular. But is the new policing policy a short term measure or will it be permanent? And will it make a difference?

Our Chief Reporter Barry Whyte has been finding out…