DUBLIN, Ireland: Residential burglaries have dropped by 75 per cent in Ireland over the past decade, according to new Garda figures, marking a major shift in home security trends across the country.

Data released for the winter period of 2024/2025 shows just over 3,000 reported residential burglaries between October and March, down from more than 12,000 during the same period in 2014/2015. The figures reflect the impact of Operation Thor, a targeted Garda initiative introduced in 2015 to tackle burglary and theft nationwide.

Gardai said this year's numbers translate to an average of just 17 home break-ins per day across the 26 counties — or less than one burglary per county per day. December 2024 recorded the lowest number of burglaries for that month in five years, while March 2025 saw the lowest since 2021.

The data also shows a continued decline quarter-on-quarter, with a 10 per cent drop in Q4 2024 compared to the previous year, and a further 16 per cent decrease into Q1 2025.

Operation Thor made over 900 arrests during the 2024/2025 winter phase, leading to more than 2,000 charges. Gardaí highlighted several successful operations during the period, including arrests in Kildare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, and Tipperary. Several high-powered vehicles and stolen items were recovered.

Detective Chief Superintendent Boland of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau said burglary remains one of the most distressing crimes for victims.

"The violation of a person's home is the ultimate invasion of privacy and oftentimes, even if nothing of sentimental or monetary value is taken, the place never feels comfortable to a victim again," he said.

"An Garda Siochana recognises the long-lasting impact any burglary has not just on the victim but on communities, both rural and urban. Our message is that we are here to help, we are here to protect, and we continue to arrest and charge those involved in these insidious crimes."