Safe home this Christmas

E very winter, the number of burglaries increases as the darker evenings draw in, but there are a number of measures people can take to protect their homes and belongings from would-be thieves.

Crime prevention officer Sergeant Ciaran McLoughlin, who is based in Rathfarnham Garda Station, offered some advice and tips for Echo readers to deter burglars this festive season.

“The message this year is to lock up and light up,” he said. “Make sure windows and doors are locked and alarms are set.

“If you’re not going to be home after dark then leave a light on in the house, so if someone’s passing by the house it looks lived in.”

According to statistics released by An Garda Síochána, nearly half of burglaries occur between 5pm and 11pm.

Jewellery and cash remain the most common objects stolen, with €600 being the average value of goods taken.

“People shouldn’t keep large sums of cash or expensive jewellery in their home, it should be put into safe storage,” said Sgt McLoughlin.

“If you’re storing these items at home, keep them in a good quality safe bolted to the floor or an internal wall.”

Sgt McLoughlin also said that houses with old plastic house alarms with beacons at the bottom are also being targeted as it’s often assumed that they no longer work, or they’re not as effective as newer models.

He advised people to invest in newer models of home security, and said that doorbells with CCTV cameras and the use of sensor lights around properties can deter burglars.

If anyone sees anything suspicious, they should contact their local garda station.

For further information visit www.garda.ie or contact Sgt McLoughlin on 01 666 6564. He is available to meet with residents, community groups and businesses in Tallaght, Rathfarnham, Terenure and Crumlin to advise them on crime prevention.

“I want to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas, from all of us in An Garda Síochána,” added Sgt McLoughlin.