Crime Prevention Message – Summer Home Security Advice

JUNE9

On this month’s Crimecall, Sergeant John Fitzpatrick was in studio discussing summer home security advice.

As we come into the summer months, Gardaí are reminding people to be continually vigilant with the security of their homes. Homeowners, neighbourhoods and communities can prevent burglaries, through good habits, observance and reporting suspicious behaviour.

There were 9258 reported burglaries in 2023 (Jan – Dec); to date 2024 (Jan – May) there have been 4034 reported incidents.

In the summer months (Apr – Sept) the most frequently reported time of occurrences was at night, between the hours of midnight to 5am, under the guise of night and diminished light, accounting for 29% of Burglaries reported in these months. The greater visibility during daylight hours may act as a deterrent, which is not present in winter.

Front and rear door access account for over half of reported burglary entrances with unsecured doors accounting for the most frequent access method. Where windows are used to gain access, they are more likely to be at the rear of property.

Cash and jewellery account for over 35% of the items reported stolen. Objects stolen in burglary incidents tend to be small in size, but relatively high in value.

General home security advice:

The following are some simple steps that can be taken to secure our homes, whether at home or going out:

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. That 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 Appto make this easy) and don’t keep large cash amounts or valuable at home.

Social Media:

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.

Vacant Houses:

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

All these act as a deterrent and can make your house less attractive to a thief.

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

Information on the Garda Property App can be found here.

Details on your local Crime Prevention Officer can be found here.

Crime Prevention - Sergeant John Fitzpatrick