INTELLIGENCE led targeting of criminal gangs involved in rural burglaries has resulted in a significant reduction in such crimes during the first six-months of 2025, according to Galway Gardaí.

Chief Superintendent, Gerard Roche, told the Farming Tribune that Operation Thor – a multi-strand  strategy aimed at tackling organised crime gangs – has resulted in the disbandment and prosecution of these criminals.

“There has been a notable drop in rural burglaries since the introduction of Operation Thor in 2015 which has involved the deployment of Garda resources at regional level in targeting those gangs.

“Operation Thor has been a major success in terms of identifying, arresting and prosecuting members of those travelling gangs,” said Gerard Roche.

According to the provisional crime statistics issued by An Garda Síochána this week, Operation Thor, has ‘actively targeted organised crime gangs and repeat offenders through co-ordinated crime prevention and enforcement activity based on intelligence and the latest burglary trends’.

“Operation THOR has successfully reduced the rate of winter burglaries, leading to a significant decline in residential burglaries by 75% since its introduction in 2015,” the official Garda report on crime figures for the first half of 2025 states.

So far this year, incidences in Galway of aggravated burglaries – break-ins where firearms, knives or explosives are involved – have been described by Gardaí as ‘very low’ with a total of 8 so far in 2025.

However, Chief Superintendent Roche has cautioned against any complacency in terms of crime and break-ins in rural areas, urging the public to remain vigilant at all times.

“The eyes and ears of the general public in noticing – and reporting immediately –  any suspicious activity in their locality are vital aids in crime detection.

“I would urge members of the public never to be worried about making a quick call to Gardaí if they are concerned about suspicious activity in their area.

“So what, if it turns out to be a false alarm – that’s our job to check things out. But don’t hesitate to make that call and to use the 999 number if necessary,” the Chief Super advised.

Nationally for the first half of 2025 [up to June 30th], residential burglaries were down by 13%; aggravated burglaries dropped by 25%; while ‘other robberies’ were down by almost 25%.

Pictured: Chief Super Gerard Roche: ‘Gangs targeted’.