SEASONAL advice for householders and businesses across Donegal has been issued by local gardai in an attempt to prevent crime in the county over the Christmas period.

“What can you afford to lose this Christmas?” is the question being asked by the county’s Crime Prevention Officer, Garda Sergeant Paul Wallace. The answer, he says is that: “You can afford to lose nothing!”

 

To ensure that criminals and thieves don’t get away with anything this festive season, gardai have issued the following advice.    

•Keep a sharp eye on strange vehicles in the locality report suspicions to Gardai.

•Install a monitored intruder alarm in your home and buildings that are vulnerable and use it!

•Lighting – Illuminate areas which are overlooked from your home.

•Shopping – Ask at neighbour to look over your property when you are out shopping, (you can also return the favour).

•Be careful to lock your shopping/gifts in the boot of your car – remember the elves (oops) the thieves are about.

They have also urged people of the county to keep an eye on the most vulnerable in the community and check on older people and neighbours.

•Check on your older neighbours at this time of year, remember older people love to receive a visit, or telephone call it can be that simple.

•Older people in isolated, rural mountainous areas are especially vulnerable at this time of year.

•Advise older relatives to join the Good Morning Donegal project in your area info at gmsdonegal@hse.ie / 074 93 21598.

•In the busy retailing period in the run up to Christmas – Don’t forget Security & Awareness.

•Cash Security – Have till limits agreed and keep to them. Store Cash Securely.

•Forged Notes – Check notes for fake currency. Watch volume note transactions. Don’t forget the Cards.

•Be Careful when opening up and closing.

•Ensure security equipment i.e. cctv and alarms are operating correctly over the holiday period. Don’t let the criminal highlight deficiencies.

•Report Suspicious Activity – Movement of Vehicles etc get the registration number colour and make it is really that simple!

Finally, gardai have urged people of the county to have a safe and enjoyable Christmas. 

Garda station open for business on a 24/7 basis this Christmas are:

Letterkenny – 074 91 67100

Buncrana – 074 93 20540

Milford – 074 91 53060

Ballyshannon – 071 98 51102.