Are Ireland’s Homes Secure Enough?
A home isn’t just your greatest financial investment, it’s a sanctuary, a place to feel safe. However, our recent survey of 1,000 homeowners reveals that nearly one in five have suffered a break-in within the last five years. With An Garda Síochána warning burglaries tend to rise over the winter months, and the same survey showing 57% of homeowners believe their property lacks sufficient protection, what are Irish homeowners doing to protect their properties?
The survey helps understand homeowners' experiences with burglaries over the past five years, as well as the range of security measures people are using to protect their homes in order to try and achieve a sense of safety. Expert Conor Mulcahy, Head of Product & Renewals also shares tips on how to avoid invalidating your home insurance.
The most common types of burglary in Ireland
Our survey reveals a reassuring 84% of homeowners in Ireland have not experienced a break-in or burglary within the last five years, meaning their homes truly serve as the safe havens they’re meant to be. But for one in six, the reality is far more troubling, as they’ve experienced not just one, but an average of two break-ins over the past five years.
| Rank | Type of Burglary | % of Irish homeowners that have experienced this in the past five years |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Attempted break-ins without entry | 17% |
| 2 | Burglaries with items stolen | 14% |
| 3 | Break-ins when the house was empty | 12% |
| 4 | Break-ins while someone was at home | 9% |
Attempted break-ins without entry are the most common type of burglary, with 17% of homeowners reporting attempts to break in, though the burglars didn’t gain access. Burglaries where items have been stolen come next, with 14% of homeowners experiencing successful break-ins where valuables were taken.
Over one in 10 (12%) reported that a burglary occurred when the house was empty, making unoccupied homes a clear target, and 9% of homeowners said burglaries happened when people were inside the house—a particularly frightening scenario.
The most common home safety measures
When it comes to securing your home, Irish homeowners rely on a variety of safety measures to help them feel more protected. From window locks to alarm systems, the below table shows the most commonly purchased security features.
| Safety Measure | % of Irish people who have this working in their home |
|---|---|
| Window Locks | 64% |
| Burglar alarm system | 60% |
| Motion-sensor lights | 48% |
| Deadbolt locks | 48% |
| External CCTV camera | 37% |
Over two-thirds (64%) of homeowners have window locks installed, making it the most common home security safety measure in Ireland. However, they only work when engaged, which is perhaps why they are also the most frequently tested security measure, with half of owners checking them weekly.
Despite the high percentage of homes having window locks, 18% of Irish homeowners admit to leaving their windows open when away for short periods during the day, and a further 6% even leave them open all day when they aren’t home.
Burglar alarms are the second most common security measure, with 60% of respondents having one in place in their home. However over half (55%) of Irish homeowners don’t follow recommended testing advice, with them conducting checks less than once a month.
Conor Mulcahy, Head of Product & Renewals adds, “The survey shows there is a greater need for knowledge on the importance of having a home alarm among homeowners. It is recommended that you check your security alarm system every 30 days to ensure that it is working. To do this you should set your alarm as normal and then attempt to trigger one of the motion sensors - if it goes off then you’re good to go!”
Nearly half (48%) of homes in Ireland have motion sensor lights and deadbolt locks. These are followed by CCTV cameras. Interestingly, whilst not one of the top five home security measures, smart doorbells are one of the most considered purchases amongst Irish homeowners, with nearly a third (31%) considering purchasing a smart doorbell within the next six months. The rise of technology could be giving homeowners an increased sense of security, allowing them to check and record who is visiting their property whilst they aren’t at home.
Beyond physical security measures, many people are taking additional steps to make their homes appear occupied when they’re not. Since break-ins are more common when a home is visibly empty, 51% of homeowners leave lights on when they go out. For extended periods away, over half (54%) rely on friends or family to check their property.
The least common safety measures
Despite less than half (43%) of Irish homeowners feeling confident that their homes are adequately protected, when asked about improving their home security, 39% said that they would only add further measures if there was a burglary in their neighbourhood.
The least common safety measures Irish homeowners have installed in their home:
| Safety Measure | Not purchased and not considering it |
|---|---|
| Safe | 68% |
| Security Gates | 65% |
| Guard dog | 60$ |
| Internal cameras | 53% |
| Deadbolt locks | 34% |
Our data reveals that safes are the least likely security measure to be adopted by homeowners, with over two-thirds indicating that they are not considering this option. This reluctance could stem from a focus on preventing intruders from entering in the first place, rather than safeguarding valuables in the event of a break-in.
Security gates are the second most commonly dismissed security measure. The high upfront cost is likely a deterrent for many homeowners, but practical limitations may play an even greater role. For instance, residents of flats may have no feasible way to install such gates, while those in terraced houses may find them ineffective due to low or shared fences with neighbours.
While guard dogs are typically low on the list of security measures, it’s interesting that almost a third (31%) of Irish homeowners still choose to have one. While dogs can be a strong deterrent to intruders, the responsibilities of pet ownership - training, care, and upkeep - often discourage others from opting for this solution.
Irish homeowners are invalidating their home insurance
Despite many homeowners installing several security measures to keep their homes safe, it could be their everyday habits posing the greatest risk.
Leaving doors unlocked
When at home, over a quarter of people admit to leaving either their front (23%) or back door (29%) unlocked, despite many homes getting broken into when someone is home. Perhaps more worryingly, almost one in ten (8%) leave their back door open when they’re out of the home for a short time.
Leaving windows open
Whilst window locks are the most common security measure, in surprising contradiction, 18% of people admit to leaving windows open when they nip out for a short time, and 6% leave them open for an entire day - highlighting a clear gap between home owner’s intentions and their everyday habits.
Leaving a spare key outside
Around 11% of homeowners admit to leaving a spare key outside, typically under a plant pot or doormat, two of the most common and predictable hiding spots for burglars. These locations are well-known to intruders who often check such places first. While it may seem like an easy way to allow access for trusted visitors, this can create a huge security risk, giving potential burglars an easy way in. Installing a key safety box could provide the same benefits with much less risk involved.
Conor Mulcahy, Head of Product & Renewals from Quote Devil says, “Homeowners need to be aware that some of their everyday behaviours could put their home insurance coverage at risk. For example, 8% of people admit to leaving doors unlocked when out for a short period of time, which insurers may classify as negligence, potentially invalidating any claims for losses and damages. It is essential to check your home is secure before you leave, including locking all windows and doors. These small steps can make a big difference in keeping your home safe and covered.”
Irish homeowners are ramping up their home security as winter rolls around
In line with An Garda Síochána warning, we wanted to see if Irish people are planning on changing their home security habits during the winter months.
As many as 53% say they’d avoid leaving their homes unattended for more than a day or two in the colder months. The most common changes include:
● Steering clear of posting holiday plans on social media (70%)
● Leaving more lights on (67%)
● Diligently checking that all doors and windows are locked (59%).
Homeowners in Galway, Waterford, and Drogheda are particularly proactive in stepping up their security. In Drogheda, for instance, 35% of residents are considering installing additional cameras around their property. As the festive season approaches, Drogheda residents are also the most likely to keep holiday presents out of sight, worried that gifts under their tree might make their homes more enticing targets for burglars.
Conor Mulcahy, Head of Product & Renewals adds, “Enhancing your home security can not only lower the risk of burglary but also help you to qualify for cheaper home insurance deals. Installing burglar alarms, using key-operated locks on windows and doors, and setting up lighting times are effective ways to achieve this.”
Sources and Methodology
All data is taken from a survey of 1,000 Irish homeowners. The survey was conducted in partnership with OnePoll between October 22nd and 29th 2024.
