Irish Burglaries Down Over 50% in Past Decade Despite Recent Increase
Burglaries down over 50% in Ireland in past decade, but homeowners urged to stay vigilant as winter approaches and break-in concerns rise.
Burglary levels across Ireland have fallen dramatically over the past ten years, with average annual incidents dropping from nearly 20,000 to less than 10,000, according to new research published by PhoneWatch today. However, half of Irish homeowners report feeling more concerned about break-ins than they did a year ago as winter approaches.
The security company's analysis, drawing on PhoneWatch data and Central Statistics Office figures, reveals that Ireland remains among the safest countries in Europe for burglaries, with rates 34% below the EU average.
Average annual burglary levels decreased from almost 20,000 per year during 2015-2019 to fewer than 10,000 per year in the 2022-2024 period. Whilst burglaries have risen modestly by 12% since the historic low of 8,588 recorded in 2021, PhoneWatch notes this Covid-era figure represented an anomaly, with lockdowns and remote working meaning homes were occupied far more than usual.
The recent increase reflects a return to more normal patterns, with current levels still dramatically lower than pre-2015 figures. This progress provides encouraging news as Ireland enters the winter months, a period when intrusions traditionally spike.
Data from PhoneWatch's Alarm Receiving Centre reveals consistent patterns in how burglars operate. The front door remains the most common entry point, whilst 2am to 4am represents the peak window for break-ins. These trends underscore the importance of visible deterrents, reinforced locks, and monitored alarm systems, particularly during vulnerable overnight hours.
Research conducted with Bounce Insights in 2025 found that half of Irish homeowners now feel more concerned about a break-in compared to a year ago, and 49% report feeling less safe in their homes during winter months.
Eoin Dunne, Managing Director of PhoneWatch, said:
"It's encouraging to see that burglary rates in Ireland have halved over the past decade which is a clear sign that increased vigilance and better home security are making a difference. While there has been a modest rise since the pandemic low point in 2021, the overall picture is one of real progress.
We've seen nearly 150,000 burglaries in the last ten years, roughly one in every 12 homes, and winter is always the most active season. That's why we're urging homeowners to take preventative steps. Our data shows monitored homes are up to four times less likely to be burgled, that's a meaningful difference for families seeking peace of mind."
Ireland's burglary rate remains low by European standards. At 180 burglaries per 100,000 population, Ireland's rate is 34% below the European average of 277. The contrast with the UK is even starker, with England and Wales experiencing 379 burglaries per 100,000 people, more than double Ireland's rate.
This relative safety may be linked to Ireland's high alarm ownership. Half of Irish households have some form of alarm system, with 18% using professionally monitored systems, three times the European average of 6.3%. PhoneWatch's data shows that homes with monitored alarms are up to four times less likely to be targeted.
PhoneWatch recommends homeowners reinforce entry points with strong locks, use alarms consistently even for short trips, and consider professionally monitored systems. Using timers on lights to make homes appear occupied during long winter evenings can also deter opportunistic burglars.
