18 arrests have been made by Gardai and the PSNI following a joint operation to tackle rural crime along the border. High visibility patrols took place throughout all border counties yesterday, as part of a planned Cross Border Joint Agency Task Force Operation concentrating specifically on routes being used by burglars and gangs. This Joint Agency Task Force operation included collaboration and cooperation with the PSNI and the Garda North Western Regional Armed Support Unit, the Garda Air Support Unit, regular Policing Units, Detective Branches, and roads policing units from the Louth, Cavan/Monaghan, Sligo/Leitrim, and Donegal divisions. The objective of this operation is: