Advice issued as Donegal Gardaí record over 50 burglaries in first half of 2025

In the first half of the year, there were 52 burglaries reported to the Donegal Garda division.

These figures are according to the latest Central Statistics Office, Crime Statistics. These figures reveal that 31 vehicle thefts were recorded in the first half of the year in Donegal.

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The statistics, paired with the dark evenings, have prompted home security advice. Gallagher, one of Ireland’s largest insurance brokers, is reminding homeowners and motorists across Donegal that seasonal vigilance is essential, particularly as the darker evenings of autumn close in.

“As the evenings draw darker, we are urging homeowners to be vigilant this Autumn and Winter, and to take practical steps to protect their property,” Geraldine Kelly, Head of Personal Lines for Gallagher, said. “Opportunistic criminals are aware that the longer nights provide cover, making it easier to target homes if security isn’t maintained. Simple precautions, such as installing monitored alarms, using smart lighting and CCTV, and keeping doors and windows locked, can significantly reduce the risk.

“As the days get shorter, keeping lights on or using timers can help create the appearance that someone is at home, reducing the risk of burglary. It’s also important to keep garage doors locked, particularly during the winter months, as garages can provide an easy entry point for burglars. If you are leaving for an extended period of time, have a trusted neighbour check the house regularly and never leave a spare key under the mat. Taking preventative measures now can save not just financial loss, but also the stress and disruption that come with being a victim of crime.

“It's also important that homeowners review their home insurance policies periodically to ensure contents cover is up to date. Many households may not have updated their cover in years, meaning items like laptops, TVs, and home tech could be underinsured. Making sure your contents are properly covered can prevent a situation where a burglary payout falls far short of what you would expect”.

“Vehicle security should also remain a key priority for motorists. Opportunistic criminals are still on the lookout for easy targets. Simple steps can make a real difference in reducing the risk. Always park in well-lit or secure areas, use steering wheel locks or immobilisers, and never leave valuables in plain sight.

“For cars with keyless entry, keeping fobs in signal-blocking pouches can prevent thieves from exploiting digital vulnerabilities. Installing alarms or GPS trackers can provide an added layer of protection. It's also important to take care that car doors and windows are fully closed before locking. While precautions reduce risk, they don’t eliminate it, so ensuring your car insurance cover is up to date is essential”.

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Additionally, the Divisional Crime Prevention Officer, Sergeant Fergus McGroary, is available to advise on security measures for homes and businesses. He may be contacted at Letterkenny Garda Station on 074-9167100.