Offaly and Laois car owners warned as vehicle thefts increase across the two counties

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has revealed that Offaly and Laois have seen an increase in motor theft incidents in 2024.

There have been 49 motor thefts across the Laois and Offaly Garda Division in the second quarter of 2024. This figure sees an increase of six incidents in comparison to the first quarter of the year. 

The report also states that there have been 4,037 motor theft and related offences reported nationally in the first six months of 2024. This number reflects an increase across the country of 125 incidents compared to the same period in 2023. 

Last year saw a total of 7,638 motor thefts, making it the worst year for vehicle thefts in over a decade. The figures released so far for this year suggest that 2024 will surpass 2023's record.

The majority of these thefts occur in Dublin, with 2,185 cars stolen so far this year. Cork and Limerick follow behind Dublin for such incidents, but at a much lower level - Cork has had 405 cars stolen and Limerick 312.