Newly released figures from An Garda Síochána have painted a complex picture of safety in Ireland for the year 2025. While traditional “street crimes” like robbery and burglary are continuing to decline, the country is facing an unprecedented surge in digital and financial crimes. The most striking figure in the report is a massive 137% increase in fraud and economic crimes compared to the previous year.
The Digital Shift
Gardaí explain that as our lives move online, so do criminals. The report highlights a staggering 273% increase in deception cases and a 164% rise in money laundering. Scams involving online shopping, fake auctions, and investment “get-rich-quick” schemes have become the primary tools for modern thieves. Furthermore, “harmful communications”—which includes sending grossly offensive or threatening messages online—rose to 750 incidents, a significant jump that reflects the growing toxicity in digital spaces.
Success in Traditional Policing
Despite the rise in cyber-crime, there is positive news regarding physical safety. Major crimes have seen a notable reduction. Homicides fell by 25% in the last year, and robberies—where force or threats are used to steal—have also lowered significantly.
One of the biggest success stories remains Operation Thor, the national anti-burglary campaign. In the ten years since it began, residential burglaries during the winter months have dropped by a massive 75%. This suggests that high-visibility patrols and community alerts are effectively deterring traditional house-breakers.
The Shadow of Domestic Violence
While theft might be down, the report highlights a sobering reality regarding safety behind closed doors. In 2025, Gardaí received approximately 67,000 calls related to domestic violence. This remains one of the highest priorities for the force, with specialized units now established in every division to support victims of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence.
The Population Factor
A point of pride for the authorities is that Ireland’s overall crime rate has dropped by 7% since 2019. What makes this impressive is that during the same period, Ireland’s population grew by over 9%. This means that, statistically, the country is becoming safer for the average citizen, provided they stay vigilant against online threats.
Looking Ahead
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly emphasized that the force must now evolve to fight “invisible” criminals. With over 74,000 arrests made in 2025, the Gardaí are active, but the focus is shifting toward the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau. As scammers become more sophisticated using AI and deepfakes, the government has allocated record funding for 2026 to upgrade police technology.
