Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
13. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of burglaries reported in County Mayo in each of the past ten years and to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35066/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Budget 2026, Government provided an unprecedented €2.74 billion to An Garda Síochána to support them in preventing crime and keeping our communities safe.
According to the most recent Recorded Crime Detection statistics issued by the Central Statistics Office there has been a steady decrease in the number of burglaries and related offences in Mayo in recent years - falling 79% since 2015.
This has been brought about as a result of the success that An Garda Síochána have had in reducing and preventing burglaries through Operation Thor.
Since Operation Thor commenced, burglary and related offences have declined significantly. Nationally, the level of residential burglaries during the winter months, October to March, has fallen by a remarkable 75% since it started in 2015.
While every burglary is traumatic for the victims concerned, it is to the credit of An Garda Síochána and the general public who have responded so positively to the crime prevention advice provided, that there has been such a dramatic fall in this type of crime.
Under Operation Thor, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau co-ordinates and supports Divisional resources with intelligence led-interventions that target organised crime gangs and repeat offenders, particularly involved in rural burglaries and crimes.
Gardaí conduct high-visibility patrols and check-points at specific times of day in known ‘hot-spots’ to reduce the movement of burglars, gathering intelligence on known offenders and regularly communicating with the public about crime prevention measures.
An Garda Síochána also provide the public with information and guidance on steps that can be taken by home owners to secure property and deter crime. The local Garda Crime Prevention Officers provide practical guidance to a range of people and businesses on deterring crime including burglary and theft.
