Burglaries have increased by 40% in the Donegal Garda Division over the past year

Burglaries have increased by 40% in the Donegal Garda Division compared to the previous year, according to a recent study.

The Central Statistics Office report reveals a concerning rise in the number of burglaries across Ireland over the period from April 2023 to March 2024, compared with the 12 months beforehand. Donegal's are up 167 and on a national level, burglaries increased by 6% in the same period with 9,806 burglaries occurring.

The CSO data outlines that 19 of the 28 garda divisions have experienced an increase in burglaries within this period. With the combined Roscommon and Longford garda division enduring the highest rate of increase in the country at 45% (235 burglaries), Cory City increased by 41% (351 burglaries), both Cork West and Westmeath increased by 40% (77 and 280 burglaries respectively) and Clare by 39% (224 burglaries).

The report did however outline, positive decreases in burglaries within some divisions, as the Dublin Eastern Garda division cited the highest decrease in burglaries at -20% (348 burglaries), Kerry gardai division at -13% (140 burglaries), Kildare -12% (437 burglaries) and Sligo and Leitrim combined garda division -11% (136 burglaries).

PhoneWatch, Ireland’s leading provider of monitored alarms and home security systems, has issued recommendations to address the findings of the study.

Get a monitored alarm: Having a monitored home alarm will keep you protected 24/7 whether you are at home and away. PhoneWatch’s system also monitors against smoke incidents. Arm it and check for updates via our app when you are way.
Neighbour assistance: Ask a neighbour to take in your post and bins while you are away, so that it looks as if you are home.
Maintain your garden: Keep your lawns cut and shrubs pruned, so it looks freshly done, especially if you are going on holidays.
Lock windows and doors: Always lock your doors and shut windows when you aren’t home. Never leave spare keys under the mat.
Social media updates: If you are posting holiday pictures on social media, do so when you’re back home.
PhoneWatch advises homeowners to protect their homes and families in the best way possible by installing a monitored alarm system.

Eoin Dunne, PhoneWatch Managing Director advised: “The increase in burglary incidents is a stark reminder of the importance of community awareness and individual action to safeguard homes and neighbourhoods. Although, it is reassuring to note that since pre-Covid times burglary and related offences fell from 16,410 in 2020 to 8,927 in 2021 which coincided with Public Health controls in place with Covid restrictions.

"As lockdown was lifted in 2022, the number of incidents rose to 9,257 and remained similar at 9,251 in 2023 before rising again to 9,806 incidents in the last 12 months. We would like to see this upward trend reversing within the next 12 months, so that the annual number of burglaries decreases, and we can be safer in our homes and know that are families are better protected.”

PhoneWatch is Ireland’s leading provider of monitored alarms and home security devices. PhoneWatch has been protecting Irish homes for over 32 years and is proud to be keeping over 120,000 homes and families safe across Ireland.