There has been an over 30% rise in theft crimes recorded in Kerry over a 12-month period.
That’s according to the Central Statistics Office’s crime data report for the first quarter of 2026.
Burglary offences saw the highest increase in the county during the spell.
Between January and the end of March this year, incidents of non-aggravated burglary recorded in Kerry soared by 137.5%.
57 offences were recorded, which is a rise from 24 when compared to the same period in 2025.
Burglary and related offences doubled, with 48 in the first quarter of this year, up from 24.
257 theft and related incidents were logged, a 20% rise in 12 months (up from 214); while handling stolen property and other thefts jumped 68%, from 59 to 99.
Kerry Garda Division recorded a 54% increase in theft of vehicle offences in the first three months of the year at 20, up from 13.
Incidents of theft from shops fell by 4.2% - from 142 to 136 ; while possession of an article with intent to burgle/steal/demand rose from zero to one.
Two incidents of theft from a person were recorded, up from zero; meanwhile, the data shows, robbery from the person incidents are unchanged during the period, with two arrests.
Blackmail/extortion incidents in Kerry dropped by 12.5% (from 8 to 7); and robbery, extortion and hijacking offences, saw a 10% decrease (from 10 to 9).
Overall, incidents of property crime (theft/burglary) increased by 30.6%, rising from 496 offences to 648.
