New research uncovers the impact of home invasions

Burglary's Lingering Shadow: New Research Reveals Almost Half of Victims Feel Unsafe

As burglaries peak during the festive season, new research uncovers the psychological impact of home invasions

  • 70% say it took 6 months before they felt comfortable after a burglary. 20% said it took them over 6 months while an additional 10% say they still feel uncomfortable.
  • 1 in 4 (25%) say they had severe anxiety in the month following the burglary and 8% of these said this anxiety was extremely severe.
  • 25% said they had difficulty sleeping/ nightmares and 36% feared the burglar might return.

[18th December 2025] – One in five (21%) adults in Ireland have experienced a burglary or attempted break-in according to new research* commissioned by AXA Ireland and laya healthcare. More critically, almost half (48%) of those victims are left feeling unsafe in their own homes afterwards, with 7% reporting that the mental and emotional challenges from the incident have never fully gone away.

This national study delves into the hidden emotional toll of home invasions, showing that Irish people aren’t just losing valuables, but also their sleep, confidence and fundamental sense of safety. With AXA and laya healthcare combined looking after more than two million people across Ireland, the findings shine a light on a problem hitting households in every corner of the country.

The nationally representative survey conducted by iReach on behalf of AXA Ireland and laya healthcare found:

  • One in three adults (33%) who have been burgled or had an attempted burglary experienced anxiety or hyper-vigilance.
  • More than 1 in 2 (52%) say they experience significant mental or emotional challenges a few weeks after the burglary and 17% experienced challenges for a few months. 7% say it has never gone away
  • 23% considered moving home because of the emotional impact after a burglary or attempted burglary.
  • One in four (24%) victims sought medical or wellbeing support as a result of the burglary, with 11% seeking help from a GP and 9% from a counsellor or therapist.

 

AXA’s claims data demonstrate that burglaries tend to rise during December and January, with break-ins and theft increasing by 10 – 20% during these periods.

Speaking about the increase in burglaries this time of year, Mick Comerford, Director of Retail Direct, AXA Ireland said “Darker evenings, increased travel and higher-value items in homes leave households more vulnerable during this period. At AXA, we want to empower our customers with both protection and actionable advice. That’s why we increase contents cover by 10% at no additional cost for eligible home insurance policies during December, providing enhanced financial protection and peace of mind over the Christmas period, when it’s needed most.”

Laya healthcare, now part of AXA, is also highlighting the comprehensive support available through its 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme providing round-the-clock access to mental health professionals for its 710,000 members at no additional cost. The service offers in the moment support, vital guidance and short-term coping strategies for anxiety, trauma and stress following incidents such as a break-in or attempted burglary.

Dr Emelina Elis, Chartered Counselling Psychologist and Clinical Lead at laya healthcare’s 24/7 Wellbeing Support Programme, added; “Experiencing a home invasion, or even the threat of one, is a personal and often traumatic event and it’s normal for people to feel a wide range of emotions, from anxiety and hyper-vigilance to a deep sense of unease. This research shows a significant 71% of adults expressing they would welcome guidance or advice on psychological recovery after such an incident. That’s why laya healthcare is committed to providing support to help guide people through these challenging initial stages, providing short-term in the moment support and practical coping strategies to help members begin to process what happened.

TIPS FOR COPING EMOTIONALLY AFTER A BREAK-IN By - Dr. Emelina Ellis, Chartered Counselling Psychologist and Clinical Lead of laya healthcare’s 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme

  1. Acknowledge the shock — it’s a normal response.
    • A burglary or attempted break-in can feel like a personal violation. Even if nothing was taken, feeling jumpy, unsettled, or “on alert” is a natural response to the shock of someone entering your space. Recognising these emotions rather than pushing them away helps your mind adjust and begin the recovery process. Allowing yourself to acknowledge the shock is an important first step in regaining your sense of security.
  2. Reclaim your space, one small step at a time.
    • Many people say their home doesn’t feel the same straight after a break-in. Simple actions can help you regain ownership of your space and restore a sense of safety and control.
      • Opening windows or letting fresh light in
      • Tidying any disturbed areas
      • Rearranging small elements of a room
      • Adding comforting touches like a candle, plant, or throw
  1. Talk it through, sharing reduces the emotional load.
    • Keeping your feelings bottled up can make them heavier. Talking about what happened with someone you trust helps reduce tension and normalises your experience. It also helps you feel less alone. Laya members can access 24/7 support through Laya’s Mental Wellbeing Support Programme, offering confidential help whenever they need it.
  2. Put practical measures in place — they help emotional recovery too.
    • Improving physical security often has a calming effect. Even small measures can make a big difference to how safe you feel at home. These small acts help you restore a sense of safety and control.
      • Upgrading locks
      • Adding outdoor lights or motion sensors
      • Installing a smart doorbell
      • Keeping certain lights on when you’re out
  1. Reset your routine and give yourself time
    • Sleep disturbance and heightened alertness are common. Returning to familiar routines helps your body and mind regain their rhythm:
      • A morning coffee in your usual spot
      • A walk around your neighbourhood
      • Cooking a favourite meal
      • Watching something familiar and comforting
    • Give yourself permission to take it slowly. Emotional recovery is not instant, but most people find their sense of normality returns gradually and steadily.
    • Most people recover naturally, but if feelings of fear, disrupted sleep, or ongoing anxiety continue beyond a few weeks, or start to interfere with daily life, talking with a mental health professional can help. Early support can make a meaningful difference.
    • Laya members can access help anytime through the Mental Wellbeing Support Programme.

HOME SECURITY TIPS FROM AXA IRELAND

  • Lock all doors and windows – Even when you’re at home or just stepping out briefly.
  • Secure the entire house – Always check that all doors and windows are locked, including less obvious entry points like side doors, back doors, and upstairs windows.
  • Install a burglar alarm – Make sure it’s visible and regularly maintained.
  • Use outdoor lighting – Motion sensor lights can deter intruders.
  • Keep valuables out of sight – Don’t leave expensive items visible from windows.
  • Secure sheds and garages – Lock up tools and ladders. Don’t make it easy for burglars to reach your second-floor windows.
  • Don’t advertise your absence – Avoid posting holiday plans on social media.
  • If you’re away, ask a neighbour to bring in your bins. Don’t make it obvious that there is nobody at home.

For more guidance on protecting your home and supporting your emotional wellbeing after a break-in or attempted break-in, visit www.axa.ie/articles/property/30-easy-ways-to-reduce-home-break-ins/ and www.axa.ie/coping-after-a-break-in/

For more information on laya healthcare’s 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme visit www.layahealthcare.ie/yourbenefits/mentalwellbeingsupport/

 

ENDS

For further information or to request an interview with a spokesperson, please contact Wilson Hartnell:  

The following spokespeople are available for interview:  

  • Emelina Elis, Chartered Psychologist and Clinical Lead at laya healthcare’s 24/7 Wellbeing Support Programme (MWSP)
  • Mick Comerford, Director of Retail Direct, AXA Ireland

 

Editor’s Notes

*A nationally representative survey of 1,000 adults aged 18+ was carried out by iReach from the 27th of November to the 4th of December 2025, exploring the emotional, psychological, and financial impact of burglary.

AXA claims data referenced is taken from its claim frequency data.

About laya healthcare  

Laya Healthcare members can avail of some of the most innovative health insurance benefits and services in the Irish health insurance market along with life insurance (layalife.ie) and travel insurance (layatravelinsurance.ie). Its brand promise, Looking After You Always, represents laya healthcare’s member-centric approach, which is fundamental to its vision and values.  

Laya Healthcare is part of the AXA Group, a worldwide leader in insurance and asset management, with 145,000 employees serving 93 million clients in 51 countries.  

Insurance provided by AXA Insurance dac trading as laya healthcare. Laya healthcare limited, trading as laya healthcare and laya life, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Laya Healthcare Limited acts as an agent for healthcare products for Axa Insurance dac, and is a private company limited by shares registered in Ireland, Company No 242048. The registered office address of Laya Healthcare Limited is Eastgate Road, Eastgate Business Park, Little Island, Co. Cork, T45 E181. Your Life Insurance is provided by IptiQ Life SA. Laya Healthcare Limited trading as laya life, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Travel insurance is provided by AIG Europe S.A.

 

ABOUT THE AXA GROUP

The AXA Group is a worldwide leader in insurance and asset management, with 145,000 employees serving 93 million clients in 51 countries. In 2022, IFRS revenues amounted to Euro 102.3 billion and underlying earnings to Euro 7.3 billion. AXA had Euro 933 billion in assets under management, including assets managed on behalf of third parties, as of December 31, 2022. 

In the UK & Ireland, AXA operates through a number of business units including: AXA Ireland, AXA Insurance and AXA Health. AXA UK & Ireland employs around 10,000 staff.

The AXA ordinary share is listed on compartment A of Euronext Paris under the ticker symbol CS  (ISN FR 0000120628 – Bloomberg: CS FP – Reuters: AXAF.PA). AXA’s American Depository Share is also quoted on the OTC QX platform under the ticker symbol AXAHY. 

The AXA Group is included in the main international SRI indexes, such as Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) and FTSE4GOOD. 

It is a founding member of the UN Environment Programme’s Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Principles for Sustainable Insurance and a signatory of the UN Principles for Responsible Investment.