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Domestic Burglary Focus Day 2024

EU Focus Day - The Prevention of Domestic Burglary #StopDomesticBurglaries

The fifth edition of the EU Wide Focus Day on domestic burglary takes place today 19 June 2024.

An Garda Síochána, as a member of the European Crime Prevention Network (EUCPN) and 23 European countries, united in the EUCPN (European Crime Prevention Network) and EMPACT, have joined forces to launch this initiative.

These European countries aim to step up the fight against domestic burglary by 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.

Speaking following the launch of the EU Wide Focus Day on Burglary, Crime Prevention Officer, Sergeant Mark Bolger said:

“An Garda Síochána is committed to tackling domestic burglaries. This European Burglary Prevention Focus day allows An Garda Síochána to remind everyone of some of the simple steps that can be taken to secure our homes, whether at home or going out, for example:

  • Turn on some lights, LED bulbs are more energy efficient than traditional bulbs.
  • Use timer switches / motion detectors / smart lights (turn on lights via phone or timer settings).
  • Use motion detector / sensor lights outside, make sure the lights emanating from them covers the door and not just the area near the door.
  • Lock all doors and windows as part of your regular routine - Burglars can commonly target back doors, back windows and front windows, with numerous cases involving a burglar getting access through an unsecured door or window. 
  • Use an alarm – get it serviced and ensure battery pack is working.
  • Don’t keep large amounts of cash or jewellery in the house.
  • Store keys away from windows, doors and letterboxes. The removes the opportunity for ‘fishing’ to take place - where keys are fished through a letterbox by burglars.
  • Record details of valuables (see the Garda Property App to make this easy) and don’t keep large cash amounts or valuable at home.

If your home is going to be vacant during the summer period:

  • Ask a trusted friend, 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 trusted friend, neighbour or family member 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.
  • Ask a trusted friend, neighbour or family member to park their vehicle in your driveway if you are away. 

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 without your knowledge:

  • 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.

To find out who your local Crime Prevention Officer click here.

You can see how secure your home is by carrying out the Home Security Checklist Challenge available to download below:

Check list challenge English / Gaeilge

For more information on the focus day visit:

eucpn.org/focus-day

x.com/eucpn

facebook.com/eucpn

linkedin.com/company/eucpn