Motor thefts fall by a quarter in Donegal in line with national trend

Motor theft in Donegal has dropped significantly in the first six months of 2025, with 32 incidents reported, compared with 41 during the same period last year.

The 22 per cent fall mirrors a national decline, with Central Statistics Office figures showing 3,472 motor theft and related offences recorded across Ireland from January to June, a 13 per cent decrease on 2024 levels.

The figures come after a 12-year high for vehicle theft last year, which had raised concerns nationwide. While the downward trend is being welcomed, the number of incidents remains 42 per cent higher than before the pandemic, when 2,439 offences were recorded in the first half of 2019.

Dublin, Cork and Limerick remain the country’s main hotspots for vehicle crime, with Dublin alone accounting for almost half of all thefts, but Donegal’s decrease reflects growing public awareness of security measures. OUTsurance Ireland has urged motorists not to become complacent, warning that emerging trends such as social media-fuelled joyriding and the vulnerability of imported Japanese cars continue to present risks.

Commenting on the latest statistics, OUTsurance Ireland CMO Ian Kennedy said the reduction was an encouraging sign. “Following the record-breaking year that was 2024, it is reassuring to see such a significant reduction in the most recent motor theft figures. Protecting your vehicle only takes a few simple steps and these figures would indicate that more and more of the Irish public has been proactive in doing so. We encourage everyone to stay consistent in following these measures to ensure the safety of their vehicle, and hopefully we will see this trend continue into the second half of 2025.”

While Donegal has seen one of the sharpest percentage falls in motor theft, insurance experts and Gardaí continue to advise vigilance, particularly with the rise of relay attacks on keyless entry vehicles and opportunistic thefts from homes. Residents are being reminded that simple steps such as keeping car keys out of sight, fitting visible deterrents and upgrading home security can make a significant difference in protecting vehicles.