GARDAI are advising the public that professional beggars are operating in Tralee.

They say there are organised professional gangs coming into town and in one case a person was arrested, searched and was found to have €650 in cash on them by the end of the day.

Gardaí have been carrying out operations and say the individuals are being picked up in what they describe as upmarket cars and dropped into town for the day to beg for money.

Continued below…

They have seen an increase in this behaviour in Tralee in the past number of weeks as more people come to town for their Christmas shopping

They are asking people to be mindful of individuals begging and to report any suspicious behaviour. Gardaí say begging for money is illegal and a number of prosecutions are coming before the courts in Kerry.

Gardaí are mindful that there may be genuine cases of homeless people asking for money, but are asking the public to be aware there are also gangs of professional beggars operating.