Gardai are stepping up their fight against domestic burglary as part of an EU wide effort to tackle the issue.
Today marks the third EU Wide Focus Day on domestic burglary the focus of which is informing citizens on how they can better protect their homes against this crime.
Domestic burglary is a criminal offence that all European countries are fighting to eliminate. It not only robs victims of their possessions – it can also rob people of their sense of security at home, a place where everyone should feel most safe, and have lasting negative effects on individuals and communities.
In Ireland residential burglary in 2021 fell as a consequence of COVID-19 restrictions, with sharp reductions observed particularly in the months where Government restrictions on work, travel, school and business, prevented normal movement of people and vehicles. There were 44% fewer residential burglaries reported over the 12 months between April 2020 and April 2021. Every Garda Region recorded less domestic burglaries.
Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant with the Waterford Divison Brendan Roche said:
“An Garda Síochána is committed in the fight against domestic burglaries. This European Focus day on Burglary Prevention is an opportunity for us to remember the simple steps to secure our homes:
- Whether at home or going out, turn on some lights, use timer switches.
- Lock all doors and windows, almost 1 in 4 Summer time burglaries involve entry through an unsecured access point.
- Use your house alarm.
- Store keys safely; away from windows and letterboxes.
- Record details of valuables and don’t keep large cash amounts at home.
"As we get back to some sense of normality we may be lucky enough to go away on a “Staycation”. If your home is going to be vacant during the summer period:
- Ask a trusted neighbour or family member to conduct frequent checks of the property at different times of the day to note any signs of trespassing or interference.
- Ensure the house alarm is set.
- Check all doors and windows are secure. (Use deadbolt locks if property is to be vacant for long periods).
- Install timers on internal lights and motion detectors on external lights to make the house appear occupied and offer natural surveillance of the property.
- Ensure that the building doesn't look neglected. Cut the grass, trim hedges etc.
- Ask a neighbour to collect post or if you are going to be away for longer periods arrange a ‘mail minder’ service with An Post to retain post for collection and place a ‘No Junk Mail’ sign on letter-box.
- Inform the local Garda station about the premises being vacant to afford passing attention on patrols.
"If you are going on holiday and your home is going to be vacant, be mindful of what you post on social media. Even if you have enabled strict privacy settings, your holiday plans could be shared with unscrupulous people:
- Don't post status updates about your holidays while you're still away.
- Don't post pictures while you're away.
- Respect other people’s privacy, don't tag others while you and they are on holidays.
- Avoid posting upcoming travel plans.
- Consider turning off the location sharing setting of your phone's camera app.
A Home Security Checklist Challenge available to download on the Garda Website.
