Research Reveals 72% of Fireworks Offences Happen Between October and December

22 October 2026

Fireworks offences have peaked between October and December for 22 years running, CSO data shows, as businesses brace for Halloween

Nearly three in four fireworks offences in Ireland are recorded between October and December, according to new analysis by Cork-based security firm Stalwart Security. The fire and security specialist reviewed more than 20 years of Central Statistics Office (CSO) data, and is urging businesses to secure their premises ahead of Halloween. It found that the final quarter of the year has been the peak for fireworks offences every year since 2004.

Between 2016 and 2025, 1,406 of the 1,942 fireworks offences recorded (72%) took place in the last three months of the year. The latest CSO figures also show fireworks offences rose by 31% in the year to June 2026, from 197 to 259. When asked about the situation, Adrian Twohig, Managing Director of Stalwart Security, said:

Halloween changes the risk for business premises. Pallets, tyres and cardboard left in a yard can easily end up on a bonfire, and fireworks bring fire close to buildings that are empty overnight. A few simple checks over the next couple of weeks can make a real difference."

Fireworks Offences in Ireland

Year	Fireworks Offences (Full Year)	Q4 Offences	Q4 Share
2016	134	123	92%
2017	185	144	78%
2018	168	137	82%
2019	206	152	74%
2020	291	177	61%
2021	172	119	69%
2022	150	106	71%
2023	199	150	75%
2024	184	132	72%
2025	253	166	66%

The pattern is consistent. In each of the last ten years, between 61% and 92% of fireworks offences were recorded in the final quarter. In 2025, 166 offences were recorded between October and December, the highest final-quarter figure since 2020.

Stolen bonfire material remains a problem for businesses every Halloween, despite the efforts of Gardaí and local councils. This summer, Gardaí and Louth County Council visited businesses in Drogheda, reminding them to store pallets, tyres and other materials securely. Waterford City and County Council and Limerick City and County Council have urged businesses not to hand waste to anyone without a valid waste collection permit. Galway County Council has asked the public to report any pallets, tyres or other material being stockpiled.

Even so, bonfires still keep fire crews busy. Over Halloween 2025, Dublin Fire Brigade received 320 fire calls, 276 of which were Halloween-related. That was down from 494 the year before, a fall the brigade linked partly to removing stockpiled bonfire material, which shows how much prevention can help.

Other crimes that damage premises don't follow the same seasonal pattern. CSO data shows arson and criminal damage are recorded at similar levels throughout the year. In the year to June 2026, that worked out at around five arson incidents and 52 incidents of criminal damage every day. When asked about the findings, Adrian said:

The fireworks figures show when to be most on guard, but arson and criminal damage happen at much the same rate all year round. That's why the checks businesses make now really count. Making sure CCTV covers your yard and your fire detection is serviced and monitored will keep protecting your premises long after Halloween."

How Businesses Can Prepare for Halloween

Store pallets, tyres and cardboard indoors or in a locked compound, and don't leave them stacked against walls or fences.
Only give waste to collectors who hold a valid waste collection permit, as councils advise.
Check that perimeter fencing and gates are intact and locked, especially around yards and loading bays.
Make sure CCTV covers yards, bin stores and entrances, and that it records clearly after dark.
Test intruder alarms and fire detection, and check that both are connected to a monitoring centre that will respond out of hours.
Report any stockpiling of bonfire material to your local council.

How the Data Was Gathered

Stalwart Security analysed the CSO's quarterly recorded crime table, CJQ06, for fireworks offences (114), arson (1211) and criminal damage (not arson) (1212), from Q1 2003 to Q4 2025. Figures for all 28 Garda divisions were added together to give national totals. Figures for the year to June 2026 come from the CSO's Recorded Crime Q2 2026 release. CJQ06 has since been archived and replaced by table CJQ10, which uses the new Garda divisional structure. CJQ06 was used because it covers the full period from 2003.

Halloween call figures come from Dublin City Council, while details of the Louth business visits come from the Dundalk Democrat. Council advice comes from Waterford City and County Council, Limerick City and County Council and Galway County Council.

About Stalwart Security

Stalwart Security is a Cork-based, PSA-licensed and Amtivo-certified provider of integrated fire and security systems for commercial and enterprise clients across Ireland. It designs, installs and maintains CCTV, access control, intruder alarms, fire detection and emergency lighting, backed by monitoring and maintenance.