Figures released by An Garda Síochana reveal that the number of reported burglaries has decreased 46% since pre pandemic levels.
According to figures collected as part of Operation Thor there was a 2.8% decrease in residential burglaries over the winter phase of 2022/2023 with 2,988 such burglaries compared to 3,067 for the summer phase.
Gardaí say this represents the first recorded decrease in burglaries during a winter phase compared to a summer phase.
The figures also indicate a 21.6% decrease in residential burglary year on year “during Operation Thor Winter Phase 2022/2023 (2,988 residential burglaries) compared to Winter Phase 2021/ 2022 (3,804 residential burglaries)”
There has been a 75% reduction in residential burglaries since the commencement of Operation Thor which was launched in 2015.
Operation Thor Winter Phase 2022/2023 (2,988 Residential Burglaries) compared to winter 2014/ 2015 (12,057) recorded residential burglaries.
As part of Operation Thor Winter Phase 2022-2023 there were 957 arrests, 1,440 charges, 1,279 searches, 22,655 checkpoints, and 133,531 patrols with a a 7% decrease in reported residential burglary compared with the previous 12 months in the 12 months to March 2023.
Gardaí say residential burglaries tend to be higher in winter with international evidence traditionally suggesting a seasonal trend, “that a surge in burglaries of up to 20% is likely to arise in the winter months when daylight hours are at the lowest level”.
The figures show “a small but significant” decrease in residential burglaries was observed this winter 2022/ 2023.
Commenting on the newly released figures, 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.” he said
The Assistant Commissioner added that, “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.”