Gardai launch winter phase of Operation Thor

Gardaí Launch Operation Thor as Winter Burglary Risk Rises

Gardaí have made over 900 arrests related to burglary in the past six months — an average of four arrests per day — and are warning that this number is expected to rise by around 20% during the winter months due to shorter daylight hours.

Since April, there have been roughly three home burglaries per county each week, prompting the launch of Operation Thor, the annual Garda initiative aimed at reducing crime over the winter. The operation begins this Wednesday.

Over the past decade, Operation Thor has contributed to a 75% reduction in recorded residential burglaries during the winter period, which runs from October to March.

Speaking on Newstalk, Detective Superintendent Seamus Boland highlighted the focus on organised criminal gangs targeting homes, particularly in rural and isolated areas. He urged communities to remain vigilant and look out for one another:

“Everyone is vulnerable, so it’s important that we check in with neighbors, keep track of activity in the area, and remain alert.”

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