Motor theft down in Leitrim but figures are still not back to pre-pandemic numbers

In the Sligo/Leitrim region, there were 12 motor thefts reported, a 33% decrease on 2024 figures from the 18 incidents during the same period last year. 

The figures were reported this week by OUTsurance, an Irish based car insurance company who welcomed the significant reduction in motor theft in the first six months of 2025, but warned the public to remain vigilant due to emerging crime trends.

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A variety of trends are behind the rise. Factors could include social media copycats leading to increasing rates of joyriding as car thieves take to platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram to document and share their exploits with their peers. The influx of Japanese cars – registered imports were up more than 1,000% from 2015 to 2024 – has inadvertently expanded the number of vehicles on Irish roads that are both easier to steal (due to their lack of immobiliser) and easier to drive, making them a prime target for joyriders.  

In the first half of 2025, the primary hotspots for motor theft incidents across Ireland are Dublin, Cork and Limerick. Dublin makes up a sizeable proportion with 1,723 vehicles stolen, followed by 337 in Cork and 215 in Limerick.   

Commenting on the latest motor theft statistics, OUTsurance Ireland CMO Ian Kennedy, said: “Following the record-breaking year that was 2024, it is reassuring to see such a significant reduction in the most recent motor theft figures. Protecting your vehicle only takes a few simple steps and these figures would indicate that more and more of the Irish public has been proactive in doing so. We encourage everyone to stay consistent in following these measures to ensure the safety of their vehicle, and hopefully we will see this trend continue into the second half of 2025.”     

OUTsurance has reiterated that Irish motorists stay vigilant and shared six tips to help keep their vehicle as secure as possible:   

1. Invest in an Immobiliser  

Modern immobilisers prevent the engine from starting without the correct key or fob. This makes it significantly harder for thieves to hotwire your car or use cloned keys.  

2. Consider Using Wheel Clamps   

Wheel clamps, like steering locks, are a visible deterrent adding extra layers of difficulty for opportunistic criminals.  

3. Don’t Leave Your Engine Running  

It might be tempting in cold weather to let your car warm up unattended, but this leaves it vulnerable. Keyless theft is quick, and an idling car is an easy target for drive-away thieves.  

4. Install CCTV or Motion Sensor Lighting at Home  

If you park on a driveway, visible home security measures - such as cameras or motion-activated lighting - make your property less appealing to criminals and increase the chances of them being caught. In the event of a theft, the footage may also provide crucial footage which assist in the vehicle’s recovery.   

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5. Consider Signal-Blocking Pouches for Keyless Entry Cars  

Relay attacks are a growing method of car theft, where thieves intercept the signal from keyless fobs. A signal-blocking pouch (also known as a Faraday pouch) can stop criminals from amplifying your key’s signal.  

6. Even Inside the Home, Keep Keys Away from Letterboxes and Out of Sight   

Ensure your car keys cannot be seen from your front door. Another emerging trend in motor thefts is car thieves passing a utensil, such as a fishing rod, through the letterbox and retrieving the keys off a hook or from a hall table.