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Crime Prevention Message – Burglary / Vehicle Security Advice

On this month’s Crimecall, Crime Prevention Officer, Sergeant John Fitzpatrick provided information in relation to Burglary advice, “Lock Up - Light Up” and explained ‘Operation Thor’ the anti-burglary and anti-property crime strategy campaign. 

Since 2015, Operation Thor has resulted in a substantial reduction in burglaries, 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

We now enter the Winter Phase of Operation Thor, launching on the 1st of October 2026, with Garda divisions conducting checkpoints / patrols in burglary hot-spots and the motorway network. Gardaí will promote property crime prevention awareness through various local forums including Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert. 

There were over 7900 reported Burglaries in 2025 (Jan – Dec), to date 2026 (Jan – Aug) there have been more than 5700 reported incidents.

Front and Rear door access account for nearly 40% of reported burglary entrances. Unsecured doors and windows account for nearly 30% of entry points of incidents.

Cash and jewellery account for over 50% of items reported stolen in residential properties. Objects stolen in burglary incidents tend to be small in size but relatively high in value.

Between the hours of 4pm and 10pm in the evening are the most common hours for the incidents to occur, with Friday and Saturday being the most common days for incidents to occur. 

‘‘Lock Up Light Up’ is An Garda Síochána's anti-burglary awareness campaign, encouraging homeowners to protect their homes over the coming winter months. Winter burglaries can regularly involve a premises that was unsecured.

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

  • Use an alarm, even when at home, most modern alarms have a part set function – get it serviced and ensure battery pack is working.
  • Turn on some lights, LED bulbs are more energy efficient than traditional bulbs.
  • Use timer switches / motion detectors / smart bulbs (turn on lights via phone or set timer settings)
  • Use motion detection / sensor lights outside, make sure the light emanating covers the door and not just the area near the door.
  • Make sure exterior lighting is appropriate, that it does not interfere with CCTV or smart doorbell imaging.
  • Lock all doors and windows, set alarm and ensure your vehicle is locked, as part of your “Lock up Light up” regular routine before going to bed.
  • Store keys away from view of windows and doors.
  • Do not hide keys under rocks or flowerpots.
  • Don’t keep large amounts of cash or jewellery in the house.

In taking these simple steps it can help reduce the likelihood of a burglary occurring as it will “target harden” your home deterring burglars and protect homes.

Analysis shows that a large number of all burglaries are through the front doors - with most burglars using their own body to gain entry. Other key findings include:

  • Jewellery and cash remain as a commonly stolen object.
  • Of the total value of objects stolen for the period reviewed over 75% relate to Jewellery/Accessories and Cash/Cheques.
  • The practice of ‘fishing’, where car keys are fished through a letterbox by burglars is also a problem.

Homeowners are encouraged to keep an inventory of their property, the Garda Property App is an ideal way of recording the unique information and photographs of your property, for example, bicycles, jewellery, electronics, farm machinery and trailers. This vital information when reported, may assist An Garda Síochána re-unite people with property that is lost or stolen. Further information on the Garda Property App is available on the Garda website.