HOMEOWNERS are being warned to take extra precautions to guard against burglars who use the cover of darkness to carry out their crimes.
With winter time approaching and the evenings getting shorter, Donegal’s Garda Crime Prevention Officer is urging the public to play their part in keeping their properties safe.
Sergeant Fergus McGroary said the most common time for burglaries to occur during the winter is between 4pm to 8am.
“During those hours, it’s quite easy to pick out a vacant property if it’s in darkness,” he said.
“No light means nobody is at home, and this provides an easy target for the opportunistic burglar.”
Sgt McGroary said Operation Thor, designed to tackle an anticipated increase in the number of burglaries, has recorded a drop in the number of reported incidents. However, those targeting homes are still having some success.
“During the last three winter phases of Operation Thor, figures show that in around one in every four (23.9 per cent) residential burglaries, entry was gained through an unsecured door,” he said.
“By leaving on a light or bringing one on with a timer switch after 5pm, creates the impression somebody is at home.
Sgt McGroary also suggested people could invest in smart bulbs, which can be controlled via a mobile app for added convenience.
He added: “Door and window security standards are important, as standards mean the item has been tested to withstand a criminal attack for a prolonged period.”
He said this is equally as important for sheds and outhouses, as well as anything stored inside them.
“Keeping gates closed is a great deterrent as you’re laying out your patch, marking your territory, and anyone crossing that line uninvited or unauthorised is trespassing,” he said.
Sgt McGroary is also asking people to look out for the more vulnerable members of the community.
“If you see a car or van going down a road that you are unsure of or that you feel just doesn’t feel right, don’t wait for someone else to report it or assume that somebody else will – pick up the phone and call your local Garda Station,” he said.