Operation Thor 'has reduced burglaries in the west by a quarter' - gardaí

A SHARP rise in burglaries in 2017 was reversed by the end of the year following the launch of a targeted operation, according to gardaí.

Garda figures show that during the first two months of the winter phase of Operation Thor, the level of reported burglaries was down by almost a quarter across the country.

The ongoing problem with burglaries and the activities of travelling gangs has been highlighted in recent weeks with violent attacks on vulnerable and elderly people in their homes, particularly in rural Ireland.

An Garda Síochána said it accepted that the problem had worsened throughout 2017 but stated the launch of the winter phase of Operation Thor in November of last year reversed an increasing trend.

The spokesman said reported burglaries have dropped by 23% nationally with a 25% reducation in the west of Ireland.

The garda spokesman said burglaries are most likely to occur in the evenings between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m..

They have urged people to be particularly vigilant during these times and to mark their property in such a way that, if stolen, they can be identified as the owner.