Burglaries in Carlow jump by 17%

The increase is part of a worrying national trend
HOMEOWNERS in Carlow are being urged to review their security measures following the release of recent crime statistics showing a significant increase in burglaries across the county.
Figures from the Central Statistics Office reveal that burglaries in the combined Carlow and Kilkenny Garda Division rose by 17% in 2024, with 276 incidents recorded compared with the previous year. The increase forms part of a concerning national trend, with Ireland recording 9,728 burglaries in 2024 – a 2% rise that marks the third consecutive annual increase in recorded crime statistics.
While Carlow and Kilkenny’s 17% increase is substantial, it falls short of the most dramatic rises seen elsewhere in the country. The Wicklow Garda Division experienced the highest increase at 45%, recording 342 burglaries, followed by Limerick at 25% with 579 incidents and Tipperary at 23% with 356 burglaries.
However, the statistics also revealed positive developments in some areas, with 15 garda divisions reporting decreases in burglary rates. Mayo recorded the most significant reduction at 33%, while Cork West saw a 28% decrease.
Marguerite Cotter, PhoneWatch marketing director, suggested the increases may be linked to changing work patterns following the Covid pandemic.
“It’s difficult to put this down to one specific reason, but when we consider the percentage increases, I think it is worth remembering that this is based on a previous period, where we may still have been experiencing the Covid effect with a lot more people at home during the day,” she told
.“It’s certainly the case that more and more of us have returned to the office and our homes are empty now for longer periods of time.” Ms Cotter emphasised that technological advances should help combat the rising trend.
“Certainly in this day and age, where advances in technology and in information sharing have never been better, we should not be willing to accept these increases,” she said.