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An Garda Síochána began the Winter Phase of Operation Thor on October 1, 2020, which will run until the end of March 2021.
Operation Thor is designed to address the anticipated increase in the number of robberies and associated criminal activities that generally occur in the winter months by conducting targeted preventive and enforcement activities. This initiative has successfully lowered the winter theft rate, leading to a significant decrease in property-related crime since its introduction in 2015.
• The number of residential burglaries reported during the fourth quarter of 2011 – first quarter of 2015 (fourth quarter and first quarter, that is, six months) was an average of 11,592. This has dropped to an average of 6,980 from the fourth quarter of 2015 to date, a decrease of 39.8%.
Commenting on the current winter phase of Operation Thor, Deputy Commissioner John O’Driscoll, responsible for Serious and Organized Crime, said:
An Garda Síochána has launched the winter phase of Operation Thor with a renewed focus on disrupting and preventing robberies and related crimes. This type of crime has a particularly devastating effect on its victims and at An Garda Síochána we are determined to impact the activities of the criminals involved in the commission of this crime.
International evidence details that, due to the seasonal nature of thefts, there is an increase in this form of crime up to 20% in the winter months, when daylight hours are at their lowest.
- Residential burglary follows a consistent seasonal pattern, with more burglaries occurring in the winter months.
- In winter, there is a propensity for robberies to occur between the hours of 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and 42.4% of all robberies occur within these six hours.
- Thursday, Friday and Saturday are the most likely days for robberies to occur in winter
- Residential burglary in 2020 has decreased during COVID-19, with a sharp reduction seen in March / April in response to government restrictions on work, travel, school, and business. From March to August inclusive, there were 43.1% fewer residential burglaries reported compared to the same period in 2019.
The analysis of the Garda Síochána Analysis Service (GSAS) shows that:
- From March to August inclusive, there were 43.1% fewer residential burglaries reported compared to the same period in 2019.
- From 2016 to 2019, the fewest robberies occurred in June (7% of annual robberies), while the majority of robberies occurred in November (9.7% of annual robberies).
- On average, 38% more robberies in November than in June. This represents an average of 334 robberies.
Operation Thor Winter Phase will continue to focus on five main areas to reduce theft incidents and protect communities.
1. Crime prevention and protection of communities: through targeted patrols visible at specific times of the day, targeting intelligence gathering of theft “hot spots” on known criminals, high-visibility checkpoints to prevent ease of movement, robust crime prevention communications, and tranquility with the communities.
2. Investigation of crimes and operational activity: ensuring that each theft is properly investigated to the highest possible standard, monitoring crime data daily to detect changes in theft trends, associated crimes and detection rates. Use all intelligence data to inform theft prevention strategies.
3. Work in partnership: by continuing to work with all partner agencies in local and national government and, in particular, with communities by offering advice on crime prevention and reassuring the availability of An Garda Síochána.
4. Education and awareness: by using community policing strategies to engage with youth and work to divert them from involvement in crime. An Garda Síochána will continue to use social media, community engagement and organized campaigns to inform people about how they can improve the security of their homes and properties. An Garda Síochána will continue the national ‘Lock Up / Light Up’ campaign supported by local awareness activities.
5. Support for victims: keeping the victim at the center of the overall operation and providing professional support, advice and regular case updates to victims.
Simple steps can help protect your home, so whether you are at home or on the go, remember:
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Turn on some lights
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Use timer switches
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Lock all doors and windows
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Use an alarm
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Keep keys away from windows
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Do not keep large amounts of cash or jewelry in the house
Note: During the winter phase, Deputy Commissioner John O’Driscoll, Special Crime Operations meets with senior detectives and highway patrols in each Garda region, along with the Garda Analyst Service, to review the police activity carried out for the purpose of the Operation. Thor and plan additional actions. The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) are also represented at these meetings.
Official crime statistics are published under the reservation of the Central Statistical Office.
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