Residential burglaries
fell nationally by 50% from 2014/15 to 2018/19 under
the winter phase of Operation Thor. This is
according to provisional figures from An Garda
Síochána released by the CSO under reservation.
The winter phase of Operation Thor runs from the
start of October until the end of March each year.
Residential burglaries fell from 12,057, during
Winter 2014/15, to 5,997, during Winter 2018/19.
A key aspect of the operation has been the targeting
of organised crime gangs involved in burglaries.
Operation Thor related activities have led to
numerous arrests of inter-regional travelling
criminals where high powered ‘get-away’ vehicles
were identified and intercepted. The use of Garda
case managers to oversee repeat offenders, has also
resulted in the effective use of bail legislation.
Checkpoints are another key aspect to reducing
burglaries, providing a visible deterrent to
criminals and visible reassurance to society.
Assistant Commissioner, Special Crime Operations,
John O’Driscoll, stated, "The positive conclusion to
the Winter Phase of Operation Thor is encouraging
and we will refocus and build on that success in
Operation Thor, during the summer months. We are
particularly aware of the vulnerability of older
victims and are determined to apprehend those who
exploit their vulnerability.” |
