News

Statement from Minister O’Callaghan on CSO Recorded Crime Statistics 2025

• From: Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration
• Published on: 26 March 2026
• Last updated on: 26 March 2026 The publication of the Recorded Crime Statistics for 2025 by the Central Statistics Office provides an important analysis of crime trends across the country and allows us to identify emerging patterns and issues in order to respond efficiently and appropriately.

I welcome the continued reduction in recorded crime incidents for most offences in 2025.

Higher Garda visibility in our cities and communities is having a significant impact on the reduction of crime and ensuring the public feel safe. I want the public to know that the government policy of proactive high-visibility policing will continue across the country.

Of note in today’s CSO figures is the 13% reduction in burglary and related offences and the 11% reduction in robbery and related offences. I am extremely pleased to welcome a 25% decrease in homicide and related offences and a 9% reduction in sexual offences reported.

I continue to encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault, or indeed any crime, to report it.

The ongoing reduction in property crime reflects the unprecedented success that An Garda Síochána have had in reducing and preventing burglaries through Operation Thor. In the 10 years since Operation Thor began, burglary and related offences have declined overall. The level of residential burglaries during the winter months, October to March, has fallen by 75% since it started in 2015 which is a hugely significant reduction.

The figures show a small increase in weapons offences. However, I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that An Garda Síochána are well equipped and committed to confronting this issue so that we stop any weapon, particularly guns, coming into Ireland.

Alongside enforcement, long term, evidence-based strategies are needed to address issues such as knife crime as part of a wider strategic response to anti-social behaviour, street violence, youth offending and domestic violence.

My department is progressing targeted interventions through youth diversion projects that work directly with young offenders and, at a wider community level, through the roll out of Local Community Safety Partnerships in all Local Authority areas.

The Gardaí are taking proactive measures to confront this issue through their assault reduction strategy, which targets all types of assaults in public, including the use of knives.

While the CSO release reflects a slight decrease in incidents of fraud, I note that this data does not include incidents reported by Financial Institutions. Further to the rise in incidents of fraud recently reported by An Garda Síochána I am assured by the Commissioner that these investigations are being fully resourced and emerging trends are being closely monitored. I would urge anyone conducting sensitive or personal business online or over the phone to be extremely cautious and vigilant.

An Garda Síochána continues to take a proactive policing approach to all crimes and offences, responding to thousands of calls daily and maintaining public safety. I want to acknowledge and commend the invaluable work carried by Gardaí across the State.

The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to keep our communities safe, with Budget 2026 providing unprecedented funding of €2.74 billion.