Gardaí are urging holiday homeowners to be vigilant when their properties are vacant following a spate of burglaries in the county.
In the latest incident entry was gained to a vacant holiday home at Doonin, Kilcar, sometime between June 30 and July 12. Substantial damage was caused to the property as a result of it being ransacked by the intruders.
On a date between June 1 and July 12, a burglary occurred at a vacant cottage in the area of Largybrack, Glencolmcille. Damage was caused to the front door and entry was gained. Nothing was stolen from the property.
Meanwhile, on dates between April 28 and June 29, the front door of a property in the area of Lerginacarha, Ardara, was damaged and entry was gained. The garden shed door was also forced open. Nothing was stolen from the property.
Anyone who noticed anything suspicious in relation to any of these incidents is urged to contact gardaí in Ballyshannon on (071) 9858530. The Garda Confidential line may be contacted on 1800 666 111.
Gardaí have urged people not to keep valuables such as large amounts of cash or jewellery at home as gardaí say these items are the main target of burglars.
“We advise all holiday homeowners and owners of permanently vacant properties to ensure that their properties are well secured and that they have not left any valuables or large amounts of cash within them. If possible, please leave a key with a trusted neighbour or friend and request that they keep an eye on the property for you. We also ask everybody to remain alert, to look out for elderly/vulnerable neighbours and to always report suspicious activity, people, vehicles in their area to Gardaí immediately. Try to provide as much detail as possible in your report including registration number of any vehicles, direction of travel, description of people and accents, hair colour, and clothing.”
Meanwhile, anyone who is going away on holiday is urged to do a number of things to reduce the possibility of their property being broken into. These include asking a neighbour to keep an eye on your property, leave a car in the driveway as this gives the impression that someone is home.
“Consider installing a video doorbell. These are becoming very affordable and allows you to remotely answer a caller to your door; which again gives the impression someone is at home. Do not post photos or other details of your trip online. Don’t make life easy for potential burglars. Notify Gardaí that your home will be vacant for a period of time. We can then include your address in our patrols,” said a garda spokesperson.
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