Burglary figures fall for Cavan and Monaghan

Burglaries have decreased by 6% in the Cavan and Monaghan Gardaí division over the past 12 months, according to recent CSO figures.

There were 228 burglaries in Cavan and Monaghan in the period from Q4 2022 to Q3 2023, which was down from 242 in the period Q 2021to Q3 2022.

The positive news for this region however lags behind the national figure, where over the last 12 months compared to the previous 12 months with there was an 8% decrease in burglaries (9,117 incidents) occurring nationally.

Over the last 12 months, 21 of the 28 Gardaí divisions in Ireland have experienced a decrease in burglaries. The divisions with the highest rate of decreases in burglaries are Dublin Eastern Gardaí division at -26%, Wicklow at -23%, Cork West at -22% and Dublin Southern Gardaí division at -21%.

Seven Gardaí divisions have had an increase in burglaries, four of these divisions are in the West of Ireland, with Clare reporting the highest increase of 23% (197 burglaries), followed closely by Mayo with a 22% increase (169 burglaries), Sligo and Leitrim division had a 17% increase (151 burglaries combined) and Galway 1% (385 burglaries). While Louth, Wexford and Dublin North Central all increased by 8%.

Eoin Dunne, Managing Director of PhoneWatch which assessed the CSO figures said, “There were 8,452 new dwelling completions in quarter 3 2023***, an increase of over 14% in the same three months of 2022. As the availability of new houses thankfully rises, it means that the need for home security within these houses is necessary.”

According to An Garda Síochána reports, 26% of burglars enter homes through the back door, 24% via back windows and 8% through front windows, with 1 in 5 cases involving a burglar gaining access through an unsecure door or window.

PhoneWatch advise the following home security safety tips:

● Get a monitored alarm: Having a monitored home alarm will keep you protected 24/7 whether you are at home and away.

● Secure your house keys: Don’t leave house keys hidden outside. Instead, consider giving your neighbour or friend a spare set of keys for emergencies.

● Lock windows and doors: Always lock doors and shut windows when you aren’t home.

● Safeguard your valuables: Never leave car keys, cash, jewellery, or any valuable items openly on display, as this may tempt any a burglar.