Published: May 30, 2025
by
Marguerite Cotter
Ireland has witnessed its third consecutive annual rise in burglaries, with home invasion statistics showing a 2% increase from 2023 to 2024 with 9,728 burglaries occurring. As concerns about safety continue to mount, more Irish homeowners are looking into home invasion alarms and other preventative measures. Here's what the latest data reveals about home invasion in Ireland, and what you can do to stay protected.
2024 Burglary Trends in Ireland
National Rise in Home Invasions & Crime Rates
According to the latest home invasion statistics released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ireland recorded a national 2% rise in reported burglaries in 2024 compared to the previous year. This marks the third year in a row where burglary and home invasion rates have climbed, prompting questions around community safety and Gardaí resourcing. Prior to this, the last yearly increase was from 2016 to 2017.
Experts point to a combination of economic pressures, increased urbanisation, and opportunistic criminal activity as key factors behind the steady increase in home invasions.
13 Gardaí Divisions Report Increased Burglaries
Out of 28 Gardaí divisions, 13 reported a rise in burglaries during 2024. These areas, spanning both urban and rural settings, reflect a widespread problem that’s not limited to one region.
The highest increase in burglaries was in the Wicklow Garda division, which experienced a 45% (342 burglaries) increase in burglaries in 2024 compared to 2023.The Limerick Garda division burglaries increased by 25% (579 burglaries), Tipperary by 23% (356), while the combined Cavan and Monaghan division increased by 21% (279 burglaries). Homeowners in these counties need to be even more cautious to ensure their homes are safeguarded 24/7.
The report did also reveal constructive outcomes with 15 Garda divisions citing a decrease in burglary rates. Which is a positive direction that needs to be replicated across more counties. The Mayo Garda division cited the highest reduction in burglaries at 33% (119 burglaries). The Cork West Garda division also had a significant decrease at -28% (53 burglaries), Galway Garda division at -17% (343 burglaries) and Dublin North Central Garda division decreased its rates by -13% (538 burglaries).
Regional Breakdown of Home Invasion Ireland Data
Here’s a regional look at home invasion statistics for 2024:
While some urban areas can experience more frequent incidents, home invasion in Ireland is proving to be a national issue that affects households in all regions.
How Irish Homeowners Feel: Insights from Our Home Security Survey
To better understand public sentiment, PhoneWatch conducted a survey with Bounce Insights in January 2025. The results shed light on how Irish homeowners perceive home invasion risks. Homeowners are growing more concerned about a break-in, with 68% outlining that they’re concerned about a break-in and 50% are more concerned now compared to a year ago.
Homeowners acknowledged the need to put effective measures in place to protect against home invasion and in turn reduce the total number of home invasion statistics. 41% of the homeowners surveyed stated that they’d feel safer with a monitored home alarm.
What is the most common time for home invasions in Ireland?
Data from the Garda ‘Lock Up and Light Up campaign shows that nearly half (46%) of home invasions occur between 5pm and 11pm, aligning with times when homes may be vacant or homeowners are asleep and the evenings are darker, especially in winter months. Weekend evenings also show a spike in break-ins, as more homeowners.
An Garda Síochána also highlighted that almost 1 in 4 summertime burglaries involve entry through an unsecured access point. Which is a caution to all homeowners, to review your access point and ensure, they’re fully secure.
What do people consider to be the most valuable item?
PhoneWatch’s survey with Bounce Insights revealed that 62% of homeowners outlined that their children were the most valuable item in their home. 12% advised that pets were, seen as they are considered family members by many. With material possessions being citied as less valuable as most can be replaced. 8% considered electronics to be the most valuable, 7% vehicles and 7% jewellery.
This proves why a home invasion has such devastating psychological impacts, as the thoughts of someone in our home and near our families is unsettling.
What Would Make People Feel Safer at Home?
Feeling safe at home is deeply psychological but also tied to practical steps. People typically feel safer when they have control, awareness, and security in their home environment. Here are key factors that can contribute to a greater sense of safety at home and reduce the possibilities of enduring a home invasion:
- Strong Physical Security Measures
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- Locks & Deadbolts: High-quality locks on doors and windows.
- Burglar Alarms: Security camera, motion sensors, and 24/7 monitoring services are vital components in reducing burglaries and making people feel protected
- Security Cameras: Visible cameras act as deterrents and provide reassurance.
- Smart Doorbells: Devices like video doorbell cameras that show who is at the door in real time, is beneficial to homeowners, no matter where in the word they are.
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Good Lighting
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- Exterior Lighting: Motion-activated lights around entrances and dark corners.
- Interior Lighting Timers: Lights that come on in the evening connected to smart plugs even when no one's home, creating the impression of occupancy gives a huge sense of security.
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Community Connection
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- Neighbourhood Watch Programmes: Knowing neighbours are looking out for each other builds trust and deters crime, thus lowering home invasion statistics in Ireland.
- Local Garda Presence: Seeing regular patrols or having a community liaison can improve peace of mind.
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Reinforced Entry Points
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- Solid Core Doors: More resistant to entry point is crucial.
- Window Locks and Bars: Especially on lower floors or easily accessed windows. Security shock sensors within invasion alarms, also help to protect your home and sound the alarm if any movement is detected.
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Mental & Emotional Security
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- Knowing a Plan is in Place: Having emergency contacts, escape routes, and safety drills, can help put people’s mind at ease.
How to Prevent a Home Invasion?
The good news? There are effective ways to lower your risk of a home invasion.
Invest in a Home Invasion Alarm
One of the most powerful deterrents is a home invasion alarm. Modern house alarm systems offer real-time mobile alerts, smart integrations, and 24/7 monitoring. They not only reduce the chance of a break-in but also alert authorities if one occurs, as they are monitored by an Alarm Receiving Centre.
Other tips include:
- Installing smart cameras and motion lights
- Reinforcing doors and windows
- Getting to know your neighbours and establishing a community watch
What These Home Invasion Statistics Mean for You?
The latest home invasion statistics are a wake-up call. As break-ins rise for a third consecutive year, it's essential to take proactive steps to protect your home and loved ones. Whether you're living in a city centre housing estate or a countryside cottage, home invasion in Ireland is a risk we must all address seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best deterrent for home invasion?
A home invasion alarm is considered the top deterrent. It provides immediate alerts, discourages burglars, and speeds up Gardaí response times.
How common are break-ins in Ireland?
Break-ins have risen by 2% from 2023 to 2024 with 9,728 burglaries, marking the third year in a row of increased burglary rates.
Which city has the highest crime rate in Ireland?
The Wicklow Garda division has seen the sharpest rise in burglaries in 2024 at 45% (342 burglaries), followed Limerick Garda division burglaries increased by 25% (579 burglaries), Tipperary by 23% (356), while the combined Cavan and Monaghan division increased by 21% (279 burglaries).
What time of the day are break-ins most common?
Most break-ins occur between 5pm and 11pm, particularly on weekend evenings when homes are more likely to be unoccupied.
Want to learn more about how to protect your home? Stay informed with regular updates on home invasion statistics, crime trends, and expert safety tips with PhoneWatch.