The front door is the most common entry point for burglars, while nearly half of burglaries in winter take place between 5pm and 11pm, according to new figures released today.
The figures also show that jewellery and cash are the most common items stolen, with an average of €600 worth of goods taken in a burglary.
The figures from the Garda Analysis Service also show that reported burglaries were down by over a quarter in the first six months of this year.
The figures are being released as part of a garda anti-burglary campaign called 'Lock up, light up'.
They show that the most common form of entry for burglars now is the front door, followed by the back door, back window and front window.
Most burglars use their own body weight to force entry, but one in five get in through an unsecured door or window.
The figures from July 2015 to June of this year show jewellery and cash, followed by computers, mobile phones, TVs and games consoles, are the most commonly stolen items.
Gardaí say 46% of burglaries in winter occur between 5pm and 11pm.
'Fishing' for car keys through letterboxes remains a problem, with three quarters of these crimes occurring in Dublin.
Sergeant Kelvin Courtney of the National Crime Prevention Unit said: "Burglaries have traditionally risen during the longer winter nights. Locking up and lighting up over the coming months could be the difference between making your home safe and making your home vulnerable. It's as simple as that.
"As the days get shorter I would urge homeowners to make sure their home looks occupied. Use timer switches to turn on lights, lock all doors and windows, store keys away from windows and letterboxes, and use your alarm. Lock Up and Light Up.
"Taking these simple steps will lessen a home's vulnerability, deter burglars and protect homes," added Sgt Courtney.
