Crime Prevention Message – Burglary Advice (Operation Thor)

On this month’s Crimecall, Crime Prevention segment, Sergeant John Fitzpatrick was in studio and provided information in relation to Burglary advice and discussed ‘Operation Thor’ and ‘Lock Up Light Up’ the anti-burglary awareness campaign. 

Since 2015, Operation Thor actively targets organised crime groups and repeat offenders through coordinated crime prevention and enforcement based on intelligence and the latest burglary trends. Operation Thor activity is undertaken by specialist Garda Units using a blend of Detectives and Uniformed Gardaí across the country. An Garda Síochána cooperate with our European partners on addressing burglary, especially those committed by Organised Crime Groups, through various EMPACT and Europol initiatives.

The winter phase of Operation Thor launched at the beginning of October 2025, with Garda divisions increasing checkpoints / patrols in burglary hot-spots and motorway network. Gardaí will promote awareness around property safety through Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert. 

There were over 22,000 reported residential burglaries from 2022 to Year to Date 2025, with just over 40% occurring in Dublin.

Front and rear door access account for over half of reported burglary entrances.

Unsecured doors and windows accounted for just over 25% of entry points for residential burglaries.

Cash / Cheques and Jewellery / Accessories account for just over 50% of items reported stolen in residential properties. Tools / Hardware account for 20% of items reported stolen.

Compared to the summer months, figures* show that that there can be a surge in burglaries during the winter months, particularly during the hours of 4pm to 10pm.

The majority of incidents occur on a Friday or Saturday between the hours of 4pm to 10pm.

‘‘Lock Up Light Up’ is An Garda Síochána's anti-burglary awareness campaign which encourages homeowners to protect their homes over the winter months. Winter burglaries can regularly involve a premises that was unsecured. There is also an increase in the use of entrances at the rear of the residence during winter months, possibly due to being able to operate more easily in the cover of darkness. 

Simple steps can help protect your home, so whether you are at home or going out remember:

• Turn on some lights, LED bulbs are more energy efficient than traditional bulbs.
• Use timer switches / motion detectors / smart lights (turn on lights via phone or timer settings)
• Use motion detector / sensor lights outside, make sure the lights emanating from them covers the door and not just the area near the door.
• Lock all doors and windows as part of your regular routine.
• Use an alarm – get it serviced and ensure battery pack is working.
• Store keys away from windows and doors.
• Don’t keep large amounts of cash or jewellery in the house.

By taking these simple steps it should reduce the likelihood of a burglary occurring as it will “target harden” your home, deter burglars and protect homes.

Key findings include:

• Burglars can commonly target back doors, back windows and front windows, with numerous cases involving a burglar getting access through an unsecured door or window. 
• Jewellery and cash remain as a commonly stolen object.
• Tools, hardware, computers, mobile phones, TVs and games consoles are also common amongst items stolen. 
• A large number of burglaries occur between 4pm and 10pm.