Burglaries decrease by 8% nationally over past 12 months. However, some regions see increases of up to 25%

In the past 12 months* over 9,000 Irish homeowners have experienced a burglary in their homes. Whilst this represents a decrease of 8% based on the previous year, this number is still much too high. Over the years research has always shown that this is the time of year for increased burglaries, so the message is very clear, now is the time to get winter ready and get your home protected.

'It's important to remain vigilant at this time', Eoin Dunne, Managing Director of PhoneWatch comments. 'The past 12 months have shown a welcome decrease in our burglary levels, however, we should bear in mind that we are coming into the period when typically, burglaries are at their highest, and our homes are most vulnerable. We know that 58% of Irish homeowners fear burglary most in the winter months. At PhoneWatch we are all about peace of mind and ensuring this concern is reduced as much as possible'.

According to the recent CSO recorded crime figures, although the national burglary rate for the last 12 months has decreased by 8%, some counties have experienced significant increases in the number of reported break-ins, especially in the north and west regions. The Sligo and Leitrim region has had the highest increase over the last 12 months* compared to the previous 12 months**, with a 25% increase (162 burglaries) in that region. Mayo had the second highest rate of increase at 17% (153 burglaries), followed by Louth with an 11% increase (347 burglaries). Donegal's burglary rate also increased with a 9% increase (146 burglaries).

However, there are some very positive takeouts from the recent CSO recorded crime data.  Cork west has the highest decrease rate of burglaries in the last 12 months at -28% (54 burglaries). Wicklow, Limerick and Tipperary all saw decreases of between 20% and 25% which suggests these are the counties leading the way in terms of home security measures.

Winter months are notorious for increased rates in burglary and research indicates that burglaries increase by almost 20% in winter months, with nearly half of these burglaries occurring between 5pm and 11pm. A recent survey outlined that 64% of people feel less safe in their homes at nighttime.

Eoin Dunne further added; 'When you look at the broader data over the last decade it shows that on average, 1 in every 10 Irish homes has experienced a break-in during the last 10 years. We need to get this number down and we want to work with all homeowners to ensure they are taking the necessary steps to keep their homes secure and their families safe, 24/7'.

PhoneWatch's purpose is to ensure people always feel safe in their homes. They have devised simple home security tips for you to implement to ensure your home and everyone inside is protected this winter and 24/7.

• Lock windows and doors: Always ensure your front and back doors are locked and windows shut. Also, secure garden sheds and your vehicles.
• Secure your house keys: Don't leave house keys outside, instead ensure your neighbour has a spare set of keys for emergencies.
• Leave a light on: Make sure your home is well lit up. You could invest in smart plugs and turn on lights via a home security app to make it appear as if you are in your home, especially during the night-time.
• Safeguard your valuables: Never leave car keys, cash, jewellery or any valuable items openly on display.
• Ask a neighbour: If you are away from your home for several days, ask a neighbour to take out your bins and bring in your post, so that it doesn't pile up outside and look as if there is nobody home.
• Get an alarm and use it: Having a monitored alarm system is an excellent way to protect your home, it acts as a strong deterrent to potential burglars and provides peace of mind of knowing that your home is being protected 24/7. PhoneWatch's home security system protects you against burglary and smoke incidents and we respond to all alarm activations within 15 seconds. It is proven that you are 4 times less likely to be burgled with a PhoneWatch monitored alarm system compared to having no alarm, according to data from the CSO recorded crime statistics and PhoneWatch Alarm Receiving Centre Data.

PhoneWatch urges homeowners to protect their homes and families by installing a monitored alarm system. For more information on regional burglary rates and PhoneWatch's October 2023 burglary report visits: www.phonewatch.ie/burglaryreport.

*Analysis period:  Q3 2022 – Q2 2023

** Analysis period:  Q3 2021 – Q2 2022