Increase in motor theft incidents locally

4,037 motor thefts reported nationally in the first two quarters of 2024.

There have been 16 motor thefts reported across counties Cavan and Monaghan in second quarter of 2024, alone, with insurers warning vehicle owners of the potential threat.

It represents an increase of three incidents across the two counties compared to the first quarter, according to the latest Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures for the Cavan and Monaghan Garda Division.

There have been 4,037 motor thefts reported nationally in the first two quarters of 2024, an increase of 125 incidents compared to the same period in 2023.

A total of 7,638 motor thefts were reported in 2023. Some 5,000 of those vehicles were cars.

The numbers make it the worst year for car thefts in more than a decade.

With the half-year 2024 figures on track to surpass the 2023 numbers, it is expected that 2024 will be the worst year for motor theft in recent history.

To date in 2024, the primary areas for motor theft incidents across Ireland include Dublin. The Capital make up a sizeable proportion of the stolen vehicle stats with 2,185 recorded, followed by 405 in Cork and 312 in Limerick.

These areas were also the top three regions for motor theft throughout 2023.