Vehicle-related crime in the Republic of Ireland is occurring at almost double the rate suggested by official statistics, with break-ins being a significant contributing factor rather than just vehicle theft itself.
Gardaí have expressed concern over a rise in vehicle thefts committed by both opportunistic, often young individuals, and organised gangs. These gangs steal cars for dismantling and subsequent export as parts.
Vehicle thefts reached a ten-year high in 2023, with 4,976 recorded cases, a 21 per cent increase from 2022 and 40 per cent higher than 2019. In 2024, vehicle thefts further increased by 6 per cent, with 5,207 reported to the Garda.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) publishes crime data based on Garda information. While “theft/taking of vehicle and related offences” reached 7,919 last year (the highest since 2012), this figure does not include thefts from vehicles.
Information obtained by The Irish Times from the CSO reveals that there were 7,796 thefts from vehicles last year and 7,351 in 2023. This nearly doubles the volume of vehicle crime compared to official vehicle theft statistics. The CSO clarifies that “theft from a vehicle” is included in general theft figures, not classified as vehicle-related theft.
Gardaí report that many vehicles are being broken into outside homes, often by opportunistic criminals seeking money or goods for resale. Sources also indicate that Russian-speaking mafia groups involved in organised crime are purchasing stolen vehicles for dismantling and rapid export. These gangs sometimes use technology to hijack car fob signals inside homes, enabling them to steal vehicles quickly. The stolen vehicles are then transported and collected later using tow trucks.
Additionally, younger criminals are involved in stealing from vehicles and occasionally taking the vehicles themselves. This is partly attributed to the increased popularity of Japanese import vehicles, which often lack immobiliser devices, making them easier to start without a key.
Source: Irish Times