Waterford burglary court figures 2025 show that 54 people appeared before the courts for burglary offences in the first nine months of the year.

Figures released to Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú by the Irish Courts Service show that 44 people were processed through Waterford District Court, while 10 were sent forward to the Circuit Court for trial.

The data places Waterford fifth highest nationally for the number of people before the courts on burglary charges between January and September 2025.

Waterford Among Highest Nationally

Dublin recorded the highest number of burglary-related court cases, with 622 people appearing before the courts. Cork followed with 95, while Limerick recorded 83. Clonmel ranked fourth with 60 cases, just ahead of Waterford.

Other areas with high figures included Naas, Mullingar, Wexford, Tralee and Bray, while courts in Castlebar, Carrick-on-Shannon and Ballina recorded some of the lowest numbers nationally.

Repeat Offending a Key Issue

The figures highlight a strong pattern of repeat offending.

Nationally, 1,187 individuals came before the District Court for burglary, but they accounted for 1,771 cases, indicating that a relatively small group committed multiple offences.

A similar trend appeared at Circuit Court level. 529 offenders were responsible for 729 burglary cases during the same period.

Calls for Stronger Action on Burglary

MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú said the figures underline the need for tougher and more targeted measures, particularly during the winter months when burglary rates typically rise.

She repeated Garda advice urging people not to post holiday photos on social media, to remain vigilant, and to report suspicious activity, especially in rural areas.

Ní Mhurchú also called for an end to the practice of granting temporary release to convicted burglars, noting that 38 burglars were on temporary release as of June 23, 2025.

Community Safety Funding Highlighted

The MEP urged the Government to expand supports under the Community Safety Fund, which uses proceeds seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau to fund local safety initiatives.

She called for:

  • Increased funding for community CCTV

  • Expanded security alarm grants for older people living alone

  • Better awareness of the fund among community groups

  • A potential doubling of the fund, which currently stands at €4 million

Ní Mhurchú said many community leaders remain unaware that the fund exists, despite its role in supporting diversion programmes, restorative justice initiatives and community alert schemes.

Winter Months a Key Risk Period

Mrs. Ní Mhurchú has asked the Minister for Justice to bring forward a robust national plan to deal with repeat burglars, warning that a small number of offenders continue to have a disproportionate impact on communities, particularly in rural Ireland.

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