Gardaí urge Limerick residents to “Lock Up and Light Up” this winter

Two recent burglaries in County Limerick have prompted Limerick Gardaí to remind the public of steps to protect homes during the darker winter months.

Sergeant Michelle O’Halloran of the Crime Prevention Offer at Henry Street Garda Station described an incident on 3 October when intruders entered a house in the Rathina area of Newcastle West at about 1.20 am while the male occupant was in bed. The suspects searched the property before leaving and the investigation is ongoing, with Gardaí asking anyone with information to contact Newcastle West Garda Station (069 20 650).

The following night, around 1 am on 2 October, two burglars broke into a house in the Fanstown area of Kilmallock while the homeowner slept. After searching the premises they stole the spare car keys and a sum of cash. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact Kilmallock Garda Station (063 98 018) or the Garda Confidential Line (1800 666 111).

These cases are part of “Winter Phase of Operation Thor”, running from October to 31 March 2027. The operation, launched in 2015, has reduced recorded burglaries by 72.2 % compared with the same period in 2015. However, Limerick still recorded 17 burglaries per 10,000 people in 2025, slightly above the national average.

Sergeant O’Halloran warned that 78.8 % of residential burglaries occur between 4 pm and 8 am, and advised residents to ensure a light is on from around 5 pm each evening to avoid a completely dark house that may signal an empty home.

Source: Limerick Post. Photo: TheOther Kev / Pexels.