Burglaries in Mayo return to pre-pandemic levels

Burglaries in Mayo are on the rise with Gardaí continuing to investigate an aggravated burglary in the Swinford area.

Supt Alan Brady told a meeting of the Mayo Joint Policing Committee that Gardai are investigating an aggravated burglary that occurred recently near Killasser. Two men entered a home and stole a vehicle and cash.

In early January, a vehicle was stolen in Crossmolina. A man entered a property and took the keys from the hallway. A short time later, the vehicle was discovered crashed in a ravine in Co Sligo. A suspect was discovered in the area with stolen property found on his person.

Det Insp Denis Harrington told the meeting that the number of burglaries in Mayo has returned to pre-pandemic levels. Burglaries in 2023 jumped by 25% but have reduced by 17% in the year-to-date.

“A key concern is that burglaries are back to pre-Covid levels,” said Chief Supt Ray McMahon.

The Chief Supt said Gardaí in Mayo are working closely with officers in other counties and have established special burglary patrols to try and target offenders.

“We are asking members of the public to be vigilant. A lot of burglaries occur between 3pm and 8pm in the evening, not at nighttime like a lot of people might think. It’s important that people keep their houses and properties secured,” he added.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that the west coast of Ireland has seen an explosion in burglaries, according to statistics from Phonewatch. Connacht has been pummelled by home raiders over the past year compared to the previous 12 months. 

Seven garda divisions have seen an increase in burglaries, with four of these divisions in the west of Ireland.

Clare reported the highest increase of 23% (197 burglaries), followed closely by Mayo with a 22% increase (169 burglaries).

Det Insp Harrington said thefts from shops continue to be an area of concern. Thefts from shops were up by 33% last year with 404 shoplifting incidents in Mayo.

Thefts from vehicles are continuing to decrease – down by 33%.

In 2023, there were 22 detections for the sale and supply of drugs in Mayo. Just shy of €1 million worth of narcotics were seized and approximately €20,000 in cash linked to the drugs trade. 

So far this year, almost €21,000 worth of drugs has been seized.

Reports of rape and sexual assault have fallen slightly.

Gardaí also said while incidents of fraud are on the decline people are still being victimised in Mayo.