Watch home security warning

Homeowners have been warned to exercise extra caution against burglary with the improvement in the weather, writes Brian Byrne.

Garda Steve Kinneavy says people are inclined to leave windows and doors open in warmer weather, and this offers extra opportunity for thieves to enter houses and steal.

"These people make their living from crime, and they only need a couple of minutes to go through a house if they can get in," he said at a recent meeting to set up Community Alert in rural Kilcullen areas. "Their skill is theft, and they know every place in a house where you might think your money is hidden."

He also said people should use their alarms at night. "You have spent good money to put in the alarms, so make sure you use them."