Criminal damage rose in 13 of Ireland's 21 Garda divisions in the first half of 2026, CSO data shows
Vandalism rose by 6% in the first half of 2026, according to new analysis of Central Statistics Office (CSO) data by Cork-based CCS Security Solutions. Recorded criminal damage climbed from 8,798 incidents between January and June 2025 to 9,329 over the same months this year. Wexford/Wicklow Garda Division saw the sharpest rise, up 45%, while Cork City recorded a 22% increase. The security firm is now urging businesses to check how their premises are protected after hours.
Stephen Prout, Managing Director of CCS Security Solutions, said that:
Vandalism is often written off as minor, but for a business it rarely is. A smashed window or a damaged shutter means repair bills, lost trading and, often, an insurance claim. When incidents are rising this quickly in parts of the country, it's a clear sign that empty premises are being seen as easy targets."
Where Vandalism Is Rising
Criminal damage (not arson) recorded in each Garda division, January to June 2025 and 2026:
Of Ireland's 21 Garda divisions, 13 recorded more criminal damage in the first half of 2026 than a year earlier. In Dublin, D.M.R. East rose by 29% and D.M.R. North by 18%, with D.M.R. North recording more incidents than any other division, at 950. Meath/Westmeath also saw a sharp rise of 21%.
In Cork, the city and county moved in opposite directions, with Cork City up 22% and Cork County down 11%. Donegal saw the biggest fall in the country, with incidents down 19%, followed by Waterford/Kilkenny at 13%. Nationally, the 4,909 incidents recorded between April and June 2026 were the highest of any quarter since the CSO began publishing figures for the new Garda divisions in 2025.
Across all of 2025, 17,967 incidents of criminal damage were recorded. If the second half of 2026 simply matches the same period last year, this year's total would reach 18,498, up 3%. If the current 6% rise continues, CCS Security Solutions estimates the total would reach around 19,050, over 1,000 more incidents than in 2025.
The true scale is likely to be higher. The CSO's Crime and Victimisation 2025 survey found just 46% of vandalism against households was reported to Gardaí, down from 53% in 2019.
Stephen says that "Vandalism is a crime of opportunity, and an empty, unwatched building is exactly the opportunity vandals look for. The best deterrent is making it obvious that someone is watching. Visible CCTV, a monitored alarm and a keyholder who'll respond out of hours all tell would-be vandals a site isn't worth the risk. For construction sites, yards and vacant units, a mobile CCTV tower can provide that cover without a permanent installation."
How Businesses Can Reduce the Risk of Vandalism
An Garda Síochána advises businesses to protect their premises "from the perimeter inwards". Based on its guidance, businesses can:
- Keep premises lit after closing, so anyone approaching is more likely to be seen.
- Clear skips, boxes and other clutter away from buildings, as Gardaí warn these can attract vandals.
- Fit shutters or grilles, and consider laminated glass for vulnerable windows.
- Install an intruder alarm connected to a monitoring centre, and give Gardaí the details of your keyholders.
- Position CCTV to cover entrances, yards and loading areas, and make sure it's clearly visible.
- Consider a manned security patrol where there's a constant threat, as Gardaí recommend.
- Report all damage to Gardaí, however minor, so the problem is properly recorded.
How the Data Was Gathered
CCS Security Solutions analysed the CSO's quarterly recorded crime table, CJQ10, for criminal damage (not arson) (1212) across all 21 Garda divisions. Figures for January to June 2026 (Q1 and Q2) were added together and compared with the same period in 2025. CJQ10 uses the new Garda divisional structure and contains figures from Q1 2025 onwards. The CSO publishes recorded crime statistics under reservation, so figures may be revised.
The 2026 projections assume July to December 2026 either matches the same period in 2025 or rises by the same 6% seen in the first half. Reporting rates come from the CSO's Crime and Victimisation 2025 release, based on a survey of 7,654 households carried out in mid-2025. Crime prevention advice comes from An Garda Síochána's Protecting Your Business guidance.
About CCS Security Solutions
CCS Security Solutions is a Cork-based commercial security company serving Ireland and the UK, offering CCTV tower hire, keyholding and alarm response, mobile patrols and static guarding.