House burglaries drop by 21% according to latest garda figures

Residential burglaries in the winter period decreased by more than 21%, according to latest figures released by An Garda Síochána.

The figures released on Wednesday also show a reduction in burglaries last winter when compared to last summer, the first time such a reduction was recorded.

Operation Thor was set up in 2015 to focus on burglary gangs believed to be using the motorway network to target premises and homes around the country.

Gardaí say there has been a 75% reduction in residential burglaries since commencement of Operation Thor in 2015

Almost 3,000 homes were burgled last winter, but gardaí said this figure represents a 2.8% reduction when compared to the previous summer and a 21.6% decrease in residential burglaries year on year.

Figures from gardaí show that over 950 people were arrested, more than 1,200 searches were carried out and over 1,400 charges were issued during the winter phase of Operation Thor. 

In addition, Gardaí set up over 22,000 checkpoints and carried out over 133,000 patrols as part of the operation.

In the 12 months to March 2023, there was a 7% decrease in reported residential burglary compared with the previous 12 months.

Commenting on these provisional crime statistics Assistant Commissioner Justin Kelly, Organised and Serious Crime said: "For the first time provisional crime statistics are indicating that there were less residential burglaries during the winter phase of Operation Thor 2022/ 2023 than in the immediately preceding summer phase.  This is a very welcome development.
"Compared to when Operation Thor commenced in 2015, when over 12,000 burglaries were recorded, a 75% reduction in burglaries is a major development in keeping people safe and ensuring that citizens feel safe in their own homes.

"An Garda Síochána remains committed to working with individuals and communities both rural and urban to targeting those involved in burglary and related crime types, particularly those who may attempt to use the motorway network to benefit their criminal activities”.