New figures released on 23 February 2026 by An Garda Síochána show a sharp change in the nature of crime across Ireland, with online and financial fraud rising dramatically while several traditional crimes decline.
Fraud surges
The most striking increase is in fraud offences, which have risen by 137% compared to last year.
Online fraud alone has jumped by 273%, including:
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Online shopping scams
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Bogus investment schemes
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Money laundering and “money mule” activity
Gardaí have warned the public not to share bank details or transfer money on behalf of strangers, as doing so could lead to serious criminal charges. Accommodation scams are also increasing, with advice to verify properties and ownership before making payments.
Violent and property crime down
In contrast, several traditional offences have declined:
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Murder cases down 25%
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Significant reduction in house burglaries
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Winter thefts reduced by 75% over the past decade under the Garda initiative Operation Thor
Despite a population rise of more than 9%, overall crime has reportedly fallen by 7%.
Domestic violence remains a concern
Gardaí received 67,000 domestic violence-related calls in 2025, highlighting ongoing concerns around home safety.
Cases involving harmful online communications, including abusive messages, have also increased by 68%, reflecting stricter enforcement of digital safety laws.
Government response
In 2025 alone, 74,000 arrests were made for various offences. The Government has announced plans to establish a dedicated cybercrime unit and allocate additional funding to tackle digital fraud.
The figures suggest that while street crime may be declining, online criminal activity is rapidly becoming the greater threat — shifting the focus from physical offences to digital security.