Burglary offences in Wexford hit five-year high as incidents rise 18pc

By Megan Farrell, Wexford People

Burglary offences across County Wexford climbed to their highest level in five years during 2025, with the latest figures showing a significant increase driven largely by rises in the county’s three largest towns.

A total of 348 burglaries were recorded across Wexford last year, representing an 18pc increase on the 295 incidents reported in 2024.

The sharpest increase was recorded in Enniscorthy, where reported burglaries rose by 48pc, from 33 incidents in 2024 to 49 last year.

Wexford town also experienced a substantial rise, with burglaries increasing by 47pc to 97 incidents, making it the area with the highest number of reported burglaries in the county.

Meanwhile, Gorey recorded a 38pc increase, with reported burglaries climbing to 47 incidents during 2025.

The figures reflect a challenging year for property crime in parts of the county, despite continued efforts by An Garda Síochána to target organised burglary gangs through intelligence-led operations and crime prevention initiatives.

A statement given by An Garda Síochána stated: “While there has been an increase in reported burglaries in Co. Wexford in 2025, it is important to consider the figures in the context of longer term trends. The number of burglaries recorded in Co. Wexford in 2025 remains significantly below levels prior to the pandemic, with 2025 being the sixth lowest annual figure recorded for the county in the 23 year period from 2003.

The number of burglaries in 2025 at 348 is less than one reported burglary per day. This is in the context of an increasing population in Co. Wexford of +9.5pc (Census 2016 compared to census 2022) and a projected increase of +16pc to 2026 (projected 174,000 residents), with the CSO highlighting that Wexford is one of the faster growing counties in Ireland. This equates to 1 burglary per 500 residents.

Co Wexford had nearly 71,500 dwellings (census 2022) an increase of 5pc, with approximately a further 5000+ homes completed up to 2026, providing a total dwelling stock of nearly 77,000 in County Wexford.

Deputy Malcolm Byrne has expressed concern at the growth in burglary rates in homes in Co. Wexford.

“This has been an issue I have been raising for a while based on anecdotal evidence but the facts now bear it out. We have a growing problem with burglary along the East Coast.”

He pointed out that neighbourhood watch schemes and where community groups cooperated that there was greater vigilance in those areas.

“Muintir na Tire and various local schemes to keep neighbours informed if there is suspicious activity in an area make a real difference. We also need more Gardai and there has to be a renewed focus on tackling this crime.”

Malcolm Byrne of Fianna Fáil. Photo: PA

“Burglary is not just about the theft of valued items. It is the feeling that one’s own home has been violated. It can be very distressing for victims.”

Gardaí continue to advise householders to take practical steps to reduce the risk of becoming victims of burglary, including ensuring doors and windows are secured, using monitored alarm systems where available, keeping valuables out of sight and reporting suspicious activity.