Burglary Rates decrease by 31% in Wexford, the highest decrease in the country

PhoneWatch, Ireland’s leading provider of monitored home security, has reviewed the recent Central Statistics Office (CSO) Q1 2026 recorded crime burglary results.

The latest figures show that burglary rates decreased by 31% (103 burglaries) in the combined Wexford and Wicklow Garda Division, making it the highest decrease in burglary rates through the country. These results are encouraging, and homeowners should continue to prioritise robust home security measures to sustain and build on this positive trend.

From a national perspective, burglaries increased by 2% nationally compared with Q1 2025, with 2,161 burglaries occurring in Q1 2026. According to the CSO, 11 Garda divisions recorded increases, two remained unchanged and eight experienced decreases in burglary levels.

Key Regional Trends

These results come as the Garda organisational structure undergoes significant change. The number of Garda divisions has reduced from 28 to 21, with several divisions merging and others being reassigned. This restructuring took into account the population and demographic changes in the country, as well as projected population and demographic trends in the coming years. It looked at the number of incidents in the relevant Divisions, along with their operational and community needs.

The divisions with the sharpest increases in burglary rates from Q1 2025 to Q1 2026 were:

Kerry Garda Division: up 142% (58 burglaries)

Sligo & Leitrim (combined): up 67% (25 burglaries)

Clare & Tipperary (combined): up 42% (135 burglaries)

However, several divisions recorded positive reductions, including:

Dublin South: down 29% (112 burglaries)

Kildare & Carlow (combined): down 20% (118 burglaries)

Louth, Cavan & Monaghan (combined): down 14% (137 burglaries)

A clear pattern emerges from the regional division data: the sharpest Q1 2026 increases are concentrated in rural, western, and mid-west divisions. Kerry recorded the single largest rise of any division. Sligo / Leitrim, Clare / Tipperary, Mayo / Roscommon / Longford and Cork County all saw meaningful increases, while several Dublin and southeast divisions fell. This highlights the need for homeowners to be even more cautious in rural areas with less passing witnesses and more isolated outbuildings or farm structures that can be easier to target.

Homeowner Sentiment

PhoneWatch conducted a survey with Bounce Insights in April this year* and 87% of new homeowners outlined that having a form of home security is important to them and 62% highlighted that they’d ideally like to have a security installed straight away when they move into their new home. This highlights a growing awareness of burglary risks and a strong preference for monitored alarm systems that provide 24/7 protection. It’s reassuring to know that new homeowners are prioritising home security and opting for monitored alarm systems for 24/7 protection which reduces the risk of burglaries around the country.

PhoneWatch Commentary

Speaking on the recent results, Eoin Dunne, PhoneWatch Managing Director said: “The national increase in burglaries from Q1 2025 to Q1 2026 is 2% (37 more burglaries) outlines that far too many vulnerable homeowners were affected by burglaries and the regional variations are even more significant.

Some divisions have seen sharp rises, while others continue to experience meaningful reductions. This reinforces the importance of homeowners staying vigilant and ensuring their security measures are up to date and effective.

The Garda division restructuring is an important change to this quarter’s data, but the message remains the same: burglary is a real risk, and proactive home protection continues to make a measurable difference.”

PhoneWatch continues to encourage households to review their home security, particularly in regions experiencing rising burglary trends and as many homeowners are planning and preparing for their summer breaks way. A monitored alarm, visible deterrents and strong community awareness remain among the most effective ways to prevent breakins.

Seven Home Security Tips from PhoneWatch

Lock doors and windows even when at home.

Use lighting to give the appearance of occupancy. Smart plugs can be timed or activated remotely.

Keep valuables out of sight.

Secure sheds and side gates, as tools can be used to gain entry.

Avoid posting travel plans on social media.

Mow lawns before travelling to maintain the appearance of occupancy.

Consider a monitored alarm system. If you already have one, arm it day and night.

PhoneWatch remains committed to working with communities and homeowners nationwide to strengthen home security and help drive burglary rates down in all Garda divisions. To learn how to better protect your home and to review the full breakdown of regional burglary trends, visit: www.phonewatch.ie/blog/posts/burglary-statistics-ireland-2026/.