Is your home safe

Gardaí have advised householders to take steps to protect their property, as burglaries typically increase by 25 per cent during winter.

While the rate of burglaries has reduced over the last year, An Garda Síochána is advising people to remain vigilant and security conscious in order to thwart burglars.

Figures from An Garda Síochána Analysis Service show that the peak time for residential burglaries is between 5pm and 11pm in the winter months.

The analysis also shows that nearly 50 per cent of burglaries in winter take place through the rear of home, while 20 per cent of households are entered by burglars through an unsecured door or window.

Sergeant Kelvin Courtney of the National Crime Prevention Unit said darker evenings and lax security can make it easier for burglars.

'The longer evenings can help burglars spot if people are not home. For instance, they can easily see if a house is empty if rooms are unlit, curtains are open, and there is no car in the driveway. It also makes it easier for them to enter a residence without being seen,' he said.

Sgt Courtney has urged the public to follow a number of basic steps to increase their home's security.

'Don't be one of the 20 per cent that allow burglars easy access through an unsecured point. Lock your windows and doors, and try and make them tamper proof locks,' he said.

'Light up your house – use timers on lamps inside if you're going to be out, and make sure you have an outside light that is tied to a motion sensor.'

He continued: 'When burglars are in your house, they are looking from items that are CRAVED - Concealable, Removable, Available, Valuable, Enjoyable and Disposable. That's why jewellery made up 40 per cent of all property stolen from residential properties in the last 12 months. So keep valuables out of sight and don't keep large amounts of cash at home.'

An Garda Síochána is also advising people that 'fishing', which sees burglars place implements such as adapted fishing rods through letterboxes to 'fish' car and house keys from hall tables, can result in houses being easily entered or cars being stolen from outside the house. There were over 200 cases where car keys were 'fished' through letterboxes in the last year.

In summary, all householders should take the following steps to reduce the chances of their home being burgled:

1. Secure all doors and windows;

2. Light up your home and use timer switches on lights for when you are out;

3. Store keys safely and away from windows and letterboxes;

4. Record details of valuables and don't keep large cash amounts at home; and

5. Use your alarm, even when you are at home.

To view An Garda Síochána's burglary prevention infographic, click here.