Wexford Faces Surge in Burglary Cases

In the first nine months of 2025, 44 people have been brought before the courts in Wexford on burglary charges. The county ranks 8th nationally for burglary offences, with 37 cases processed at Wexford District Court and 7 sent for trial at the Circuit Court. This uptick is largely driven by repeat offenders with a small group responsible for a disproportionate share of crimes. Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Ireland South MEP, has raised alarm over the rising number of burglaries and is calling for stronger actions to combat the issue. She has urged for an end to the temporary release of repeat offenders and highlighted the need for more funding for community safety initiatives. This includes increased funding for CCTV projects, particularly in areas that have been badly hit by burglaries. Ní Mhurchú has also emphasized the need to support older people, especially those living alone in rural areas, by expanding grant aid schemes for security alarms. The figures show that Wexford is not alone in facing a burglary crisis. Nationally, 1,187 individuals were processed through district courts for burglary in 2025, with repeat offenders accounting for a significant portion of these crimes. The winter months, when burglaries tend to rise, are a particular concern for communities across Ireland. Ní Mhurchú is also calling on the Department of Justice to better inform community groups about available funding and ensure that resources are directed to where they are most needed. As Wexford continues to grapple with rising burglary rates, local authorities and residents are urged to take proactive steps to protect their homes and communities. She has also called for a more robust approach to tackle the high rate of repeat offenders involved in burglaries across Wexford. As part of her proposed solution, Cynthia suggested increasing the use of temporary prison placements on mattresses, especially for repeat offenders. With overcrowding in the prison system leading to many offenders being temporarily released, she argued that adding more mattresses could serve as a short-term deterrent while new prison spaces are being built. While acknowledging the ongoing debate around the conditions of overcrowded prisons, she maintained that protecting victims of crime and deterring repeat offenders should remain a top priority for authorities.