Darker evenings, busier burglars
It's a good time to review personal and home security, and here are some of the key areas to consider.
A third of all burglaries are through the front doors — with most burglars using their own body to gain entry.
Burglars also commonly target back doors (26pc), back windows (24pc) and front windows (8pc), with one in five cases involving a burglar getting access through an unsecured door or window.
Jewellery and cash remain the most common objects stolen, with €600 being the average value of goods taken. Computers, mobile phones, TVs and games consoles are also among the top items stolen.
Nearly half of burglaries (46pc) occur between 5pm and 11pm.
The practice of ‘fishing’, where car keys are fished through a letterbox by burglars, also remains a problem.
Having your home burgled is a distressing and traumatic experience. With some simple crime prevention measures, such as locking up and lighting up, fewer families will have to endure the pain of being burgled this winter.
If going out, homeowners should endeavour to make sure their home looks occupied — to Lock Up and Light Up. Use timer switches to turn on lights, lock all doors and windows, store keys away from windows and letterboxes, and use your alarm.
Remember to reset timer switches with the ending of Summer Time.
Taking these simple steps will lessen a home’s vulnerability, deter burglars and protect homes.
(Source: Garda.ie.)
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