Gardaí Launch Winter Phase of Operation Thor

An Garda Síochána has commenced the winter phase of Operation Thor, its annual increased enforcement operation aimed at preventing burglars from exploiting the reduced hours of daylight. The winter phase runs from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.

Gardaí have confirmed that the operation targets organised criminal gangs and repeat offenders through co-ordinated crime prevention and intelligence-led enforcement activity. First established in 2015, it is supported by the whole of An Garda Síochána under the direction of the Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime.

Residential burglary tends to be higher in winter. According to Gardaí, international evidence traditionally suggests a seasonal trend, with a surge in burglaries of up to 20% likely in the winter months when daylight hours are at the lowest level.

Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis, Organised & Serious Crime:

"The significant reduction in residential burglary since Operation Thor began in 2015, is very encouraging and reflects the sustained work of Garda personnel across the country, particularly the additional effort being made within our Regions to prevent burglaries and target those responsible.

However, we know that the darker winter months traditionally bring an increased risk of burglary. Through the Winter Phase of Operation Thor, Gardaí will continue to focus on preventing these crimes, targeting repeat offenders and maintaining a visible policing presence in our communities.

We would also encourage people to take simple precautions at home, particularly ensuring that doors and windows are properly secured. Working together, we can build on the progress already made and continue to keep people safe in their homes and communities."

Recorded residential burglaries in 2025 were 16% lower than in 2024. Gardaí report that recorded residential burglaries were down 3% to the end of Q2 2026 (30 June 2026) and remained at the same level during Q3 2026.

Just under 3,500 recorded residential burglaries to the end of August 2026 equates to just over 14 burglaries per day across the country (26 counties). Comparing January to August 2015 with the same period in 2026, the level of recorded residential burglary has fallen by 72.2%.

On how burglaries occur, Gardaí say data from the last 3 winter phases indicates that entry through an unsecured door occurs in 23.9% of residential burglary incidents. Residential burglaries (78.8%) are most likely to occur during twilight and night-time hours (4pm to 8am). Jewellery and accessories account for the highest volume and highest value of items stolen, followed by tools, hardware and cash.

Gardaí have suggested a number of steps to help protect your home, whether you are at home or going out. These include turning on some lights, using timer switches or motion detectors, locking all doors and windows, using a house alarm, and storing keys away from windows. Gardaí also advise against keeping large amounts of cash or jewellery in the house.

An Garda Síochána also promotes its free Property App, which allows people to index and record personal property and report a theft to Gardaí in-app. Gardaí also promote property marking and the Lock Up Light Up campaign, its anti-burglary awareness campaign for the winter months.

Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone who is the victim of any crime or attempted crime to report it. According to Gardaí, a crime not reported is a crime not investigated.