Warning issued as increase in burglaries in Co Carlow this year  

THERE HAS been an increase in the number of burglaries in Co Carlow over the past year.

PhoneWatch, a provider of monitored alarms and home security systems, have issued recommendations to address the recent CSO (Central Statistics Office) report that reveals a concerning rise in the number of burglaries across Ireland.

Over the past 12 months burglaries have increased by 4% in the combined Carlow and Kilkenny garda division compared to the previous year.

The 239 burglaries that occurred in the past 12 months highlights the urgent need for all homeowners to be more vigilant and to take proactive steps to improve their home security measures, especially as we are in the height of the summer holiday season and more homes will be vacant for longer. On a national level, burglaries increased by 6% in the same period with 9,806 burglaries occurring.

Eoin Dunne, PhoneWatch Managing Director advised: “The increase in burglary incidents is a stark reminder of the importance of community awareness and individual action to safeguard homes and neighbourhoods. Although, it is reassuring to note that since pre-Covid times burglary and related offences fell from 16,410 in 2020 to 8,927 in 2021 which coincided with public health controls in place with Covid restrictions. As lockdown was lifted in 2022, the number of incidents rose to 9,257 and remained similar at 9,251 in 2023 before rising again to 9,806 incidents in the last 12 months. We would like to see this upward trend reversing within the next 12 months, so that the annual number of burglaries decreases, and we can be safer in our homes and know that families are protected.”