The Winter Phase of Operation Thor has actively targeted organised crime gangs and repeat offenders.
Burglaries nationwide fell by 23% during November and December, according to provisional figures from An Garda Síochána
In the months leading up to October 2017, a
rise in burglary was experienced in the country. However, in the first two months since the Winter Phase's launch, burglaries have fallen noticeably.
In the South Eastern Region, 40% fewer burglaries were reported in December by comparison to October. The Eastern Region reported 29% fewer burglaries, while the Western and Southern regions were 25% and 22% down respectively. The Dublin Metropolitan Region had fallen by 18% and in the Northern Region 15% less, over the same period.
According to the Garda press release, it was expected that burglary would increase by about 20% during the winter period since daylight hours are at their lowest level. After an increase in burglaries over September and October, Gardaí prepared an operation plan for the Operation Thor Winter Phase, which involved undertaking of targeted enforcement and preventative activity.
This, the release says, was designed to prevent people exploiting reduced daylight hours between November 2017 and April 2018.
Another key part of the Winter Phase was the targeting of organised crime gangs involved in burglaries, with several members of such gangs being arrested in the recent weeks after Gardaí identified and intercepted high-powered "get-away" vehicles.
10 of these targets, Gardaí say had a total of 155 criminal convictions between them.
The other important element in the operation was preventing burglaries from happening in the first place, with Gardaí advising the general public to 'Lock Up and Light Up' between the hours of 5pm and 11pm. In the release, it was also pointed out that 50% of all burglaries take place either through the front or back door.
Commenting on the provisional figures for the Winter Phase, Assistant Commissioner, Special Crime Operations, John O'Driscoll said: "We are particularly aware of the vulnerability of older people for whom a burglary can be a very traumatic experience and we are determined to identify and apprehend those who exploit their vulnerability.
"The positive start to the Winter Phase of Operation Thor is encouraging and we intend achieving more success throughout the remaining months.”
Operation Thor was first introduced in November 2015. It immediately led to a 30% decrease in burglaries nationwide.
