Gardai begin winter anti-burglary operation

Gardai have launched a major operation to target burglary gangs ahead of the Christmas period.

An Garda Síochána announced that they have commenced the Winter Phase of Operation Thor which will run until the end of March 2021.

Operation Thor is designed to tackle the anticipated increase in the number of burglaries and associated criminal activity that usually occur in winter months, by undertaking targeted enforcement and preventative activity.

Gardai claim that previous editions of the initiative have successfully reduced the rate of winter burglaries, leading to a significant decline in property related crime since its introduction in 2015.

To back this up, they have released statistics showing that the numbers of residential burglaries reported during the fourth quarter of 2011 – to the first three months of 2015 was an average of 11,592. This has dropped to an average of 6,980 since the winter months of 2015 to date, a decrease of 39.8%.

‘RENEWED FOCUS’

Ireland’s leading anti organised crime investigator, Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll with responsibility for Organised & Serious Crime, said his officers are out to destroy these gangs.

“An Garda Síochána has launched the winter phase of Operation Thor with a renewed focus on interrupting and preventing burglary and related crime. This type of crime has a particularly devastating effect on its victims and we in An Garda Síochána are determined to impact on the activities of criminals involved in the commission of this crime.”

International evidence details that due to the seasonal nature of burglaries there is an increase in this form of crime to the extent of 20% in the winter months, when daylight hours are at the lowest level.

The gardai said that the stats show that there is a substantial rise in the incidents during the dark winter months.

In winter, most burglaries occur in the hours of 4pm to 9pm, with 42.4% of all burglaries occurring within these six hours. Thursday, Friday and Saturday are shown to be the most likely days for burglaries to occur in winter.

Residential burglary in 2020 has fallen during Covid-19, with a sharp reduction observed in March/April in response to Government restrictions on work, travel, school and business. From March to August inclusive, there were 43.1% fewer residential burglaries reported compared to the same period in 2019.

The busiest months for burglaries, according to garda figures, was in November.

Education and awareness would form a particular part of the Operation Thor Winter Phase strategy, in tandem with intelligence led operations.

This part of the strategy would utilise community policing strategies to interact with young people and work to divert them from involvement in crime.

LOCK UP/LIGHT UP

An Garda Síochána will continue to utilise social media, community engagement and organised campaigns to inform people on how they can enhance the security of their homes and property.

Gardai would also continue the national ‘Lock Up/Light Up’ campaign supported by local awareness activity.

Gardai said that there were a number of simple steps householders can take to prevent break-ins - these include turning on some lights, use of timer switches, lock all doors and windows, use an alarm, store keys away from windows and don’t keep large amounts of cash or jewellery in the premises.