Hundreds of vandalism incidents in Waterford despite bucking of national trend
There were 370 criminal damage incidents in the Waterford-Kilkenny Garda Division between January and June of this year
There have been hundreds of incidents of vandalism in Waterford so far this year, despite the bucking of a national trend, a new study has found.
A study done by CCS Security Solutions shows that there were 370 such incidents in the Waterford-Kilkenny Garda Division between January and June of this year.
This represents a 13.3 per cent decrease on last year’s figure for the same period, which stood at 427.
This is the second largest decrease nationwide, with only Donegal enjoying a larger drop in vandalism incidents (19.2 per cent).
Nationwide, vandalism rose by six per cent in the first half of 2026.
Recorded criminal damage climbed from 8,798 incidents between January and June 2025 to 9,329 over the same months this year.
The Wexford/Wicklow Garda Division saw the sharpest rise, up 45 per cent, while Cork city recorded a 22 per cent increase.
CCS Security Solutions is now urging businesses to check how their premises are protected after hours.
Stephen Prout, Managing Director of CCS Security Solutions, said that: “Vandalism is often written off as minor, but for a business it rarely is.
“A smashed window or a damaged shutter means repair bills, lost trading and, often, an insurance claim.
“When incidents are rising this quickly in parts of the country, it's a clear sign that empty premises are being seen as easy targets.”
While Mr Prout expressed dissatisfaction over the figures, he said that the true scale of vandalism nationwide might be even higher.
The CSO's Crime and Victimisation 2025 survey found just 46 per cent of vandalism against households was reported to gardaí, down from 53 per cent in 2019.
Mr Prout continued: “Vandalism is a crime of opportunity, and an empty, unwatched building is exactly the opportunity vandals look for.
“The best deterrent is making it obvious that someone is watching. Visible CCTV, a monitored alarm and a keyholder who'll respond out of hours all tell would-be vandals a site isn't worth the risk.
“For construction sites, yards and vacant units, a mobile CCTV tower can provide that cover without a permanent installation.”
CCS Security Solutions analysed the CSO's quarterly recorded crime table, CJQ10, for criminal damage (not including arson) across all 21 Garda divisions.
Figures for January to June 2026 (Q1 and Q2) were added together and compared with the same period in 2025.
CJQ10 uses the new Garda divisional structure and contains figures from Q1 2025 onwards.
The CSO publishes recorded crime statistics under reservation, so figures may be revised.