Garda crime report shows fraud surge but overall drop in crime
By ArdeePost Reporter
An Garda Síochána has today published the provisional crime statistics for the first half of 2025, revealing an overall reduction in crime nationwide — even as some categories have shown sharp increases.
The release of the mid-year figures comes as Ireland retained its place as the second most peaceful country in the world, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index, ranking only behind Iceland. The report also highlighted Ireland’s strong position in the top 10 for Societal Safety and Security, reinforcing the country’s reputation as one of the safest places to live.
Fraud offences surge despite broader decline
One of the most notable trends in the latest statistics is a significant increase in fraud offences, which rose by 73% compared to the same period in 2024. This category covers a wide range of activity, including online auction scams, bogus tradesmen, and money laundering.
- Forgery and use of false instruments climbed by over 200%.
- Online shopping and auction fraud jumped by 166%.
- Money laundering cases rose by 82%. While traditional scams such as counterfeit currency have fallen sharply, Gardaí warn that organised retail crime and online deception remain areas of growing concern.
Sexual offences and public order rise
The first six months of 2025 also saw a 4% increase in rape reports and a 7% rise in sexual assaults, though Gardaí note that long-term trends continue to show lower overall levels than in previous decades.
Public order offences increased by 8%, with Gardaí linking the rise to large gatherings and alcohol-related disturbances. Arson also saw a notable increase of 20%.
Property crime continues to decline
By contrast, burglary, theft, and robbery figures are all down compared to H1 2024:
- Aggravated burglary fell by 25%.
- Residential burglary declined by 13%.
- Robbery from the person was down 24%.
Operation Thor, a Garda strategy targeting burglary and repeat offenders, has been credited with delivering a sustained decline in winter burglaries since 2015, with figures now down 75% compared to a decade ago.
Crimes against the person stable or falling
Crimes against the person overall fell by 2%, with marked decreases in harassment, stalking, and assaults causing harm. Murder and manslaughter offences remain very low, with 15 incidents nationwide in the first half of 2025.
Road safety mixed
Road traffic statistics show 82 fatalities up to the end of June, three fewer than in the same period last year. Serious injury collisions dropped by 17%, but minor injury crashes increased.
Drink-driving offences rose by 8%, with an average of 23 drivers arrested every day. Gardaí also issued more than 150,000 fixed charge notices in the first six months of the year, including significant increases for offences such as mobile phone use and dangerous driving.
Long-term trends remain positive
Despite the rises in fraud, sexual offences, and public order incidents, the Garda report highlights that overall crime levels remain on a downward trajectory, continuing a two-decade trend.
The CSO reports that crime is down 7% compared to 2019, even as Ireland’s population has grown by nearly 10% in the same period. Compared to 2002, crime levels are dramatically lower despite a 37% increase in population.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris welcomed the figures, stating:
“These statistics show the significant progress made in tackling burglary and violent crime, while also underlining the challenges we face from evolving threats such as fraud and cybercrime. Our commitment remains to protect communities and ensure Ireland remains one of the safest countries in the world.”
Provisional crime statistics will continue to be updated monthly on the Garda website.