Window Expert Offers Advice to Combat 9,103 Home Burglaries
New research by Cork-based Sky Windows has found that there were 52,442 ‘burglary and related offences’ recorded across Ireland between Q1, 2020 and Q2, 2025. The findings also reveal that there have been 9,103 burglaries recorded so far this year, and as Ireland enters the most common period for break-ins, that of October to March, the importance of secure windows and doors increases…
Burglars’ Busiest Period
When conducting their research, Sky Windows found that:
- There have been 9,103 reported burglaries between January 1st and September 1st, 2025. For the whole of 2024, the number of burglaries was 9,744.
- The Garda North Western region had the lowest reported burglaries for both 2024 and 2025 so far, with 1,658 and 1,347 respectively. The Dublin Metropolitan region saw the most offences reported each year, with 3,768 in 2024 and 3,892 in 2025.
- An Garda Síochána reported that there were just over 3,000 residential burglaries reported in the 2024/25 winter phase. This figure stood at a staggering 12,000 in the 2014/15 winter phase.
- The Garda ‘Lock Up, Light Up’ initiative found that front doors are the most common point of entry in 29% of burglaries, with burglars using bodily force to break in. 26% of burglars came in through the back door, while 32% came in through windows.
- The initiative also found that 46% of winter burglaries occur between 5pm and 11pm.
When asked about the figures, Robert Kennedy, founder of Sky Windows said, “What the winter statistics show is that, given we still have Halloween and Christmas to get through, homeowners need to remain vigilant and ensure they’re doing what they can to deter intruders.”
When it comes to preventing break-ins, Robert offered his expert advice: “Alongside alarm systems, effective windows and doors are a proven way of deterring burglars. For instance, new uPVC and aluminium entrance doors are fitted with robust locking systems and reinforced frames, making them pretty much anti-theft. The Palladio door range of products features advanced multi-point locking systems, while good quality uPVC windows also feature exceptional locking systems that help keep your home safe and secure. Older uPVC windows will be fitted with external beading, meaning the glass can be easily removed from the outside. This could be seen as a weak point which might allow entry by intruders. However, newer uPVC windows will all be internally glazed as standard to counteract this threat. You can also buy additional security devices which can be fitted to sliding doors and French doors to give greater peace of mind and enhanced security.”
Robert also offered several other useful tips to protect properties from intruders:
- Store keys in a safe place: Don’t leave keys in door or window locks; keep them somewhere safe and out of sight.
- Hide valuables: Items like jewellery are tempting for thieves, so be sure to store your valuables in a safe or at least out of sight.
- Timed lights: These are great for when you’re away from home, as lights make it look as though there are people inside the property.
- Security cameras: Cameras are an excellent deterrent and a smart choice if you also have valuable assets outside of the property, such as machinery or a boat.
- Smart doorbells: Much like a security camera, these allow homeowners to see who’s at the door and catch a burglar in the act.
How the Data Was Gathered
To compile their research, Sky Windows used freely available information from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) Recorded Crime Q4 2024 and Recorded Crime Q2 2025 reports, PhoneWatch, Garda.ie and Zurich Ireland. Included by the CSO among ‘Burglary and related offences’ are ‘Possession of an article (with intent to burgle, steal, demand)’, ‘Burglary (not aggravated)’ and ‘Aggravated burglary’.