Survey reports 21.7% increase in burglaries

The number of burglaries in Ireland increased by 21.7% in the 12 months to the beginning of June this year, according to a survey commissioned by Eircom PhoneWatch.

The company said Dublin accounted for 42% of all burglaries studied as part of the research.

The average value of goods stolen in each burglary was €3,500.

The study was based on a sample of more than 13,000 household insurance claims lodged between June 2002 and June 2003.