Burglaries in county rise by 56% in the last year

New data has revealed that the number of burglaries in the Roscommon/Longford Garda division surged by 56% in the past 12 months, compared to the same period last year.

With 277 burglaries occurring, this is the highest increase in the country, according to PhoneWatch.

PhoneWatch is now urging homeowners to take precautions to protect their homes and families.

According to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), burglaries have risen sharply across both urban and rural areas.

The data outlines that 21 of the 28 Garda divisions have experienced an increase in burglaries within this period. Roscommon/Longford Garda division saw a surge of 56% with the Tipperary division coming in second highest increase at 50%. Westmeath increased by 35% (272 burglaries), Wicklow increased by 33% (301 burglaries) and Limerick by 27% (571burglaries).

The CSO report did outline positive decreases in burglaries within some divisions with the Mayo division seeing the highest decrease/ Eoin Dunne Managing Director of PhoneWatch commented: “This 10% increase in burglary rates means that 878 more homes compared to the previous 12 months had to endure a burglary and the traumatic aftermath that comes with it. Even one burglary is one too many. 

"In a recent survey conducted with Bounce Insights, it’s no surprise that 50% of homeowners outlined that they’re more concerned about a break-in in their home now compared to a year ago. Regardless of whether burglary rates increase or decrease in your Garda division, our message to Irish homeowners never changes. It’s imperative you take control of your home security, as burglars are opportunists and identify a weakness in security very quickly and capitalise on this. Homeowners need to act on their security concerns and implement simple but effective home security recommendations, to help deter burglars from their homes.”