Gardai have issued a new warning to homeowners as the number of reports regarding bogus callers to homes across the country increased further in 2022.
As part of their lock up and light up safety campaign, homeowners and residents are being advised to ensure all windows and doors are locked and a light is left on when no one is home - particularly during the period of longer darker winter evenings.
Gardaí are cautioning homeowners and residents that:
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- Break-ins through the front door most common entry route for burglars approximately 33%
- ‘Body pressure’ is the number one method used to gain entry
- 45% of winter burglaries occur between 5:00 pm and 11:00 pm
- 1 in 5 access through an unsecured window or door
Gardaí are aware of an increase in the number of incidents of people also impersonating Gardaí.
It is understood that the ‘conmen’ are asking if they can check cash held by the homeowner as a result of an increase in counterfeit cash circulating in the area, or say they need to check the security of the house as a result of an increase in burglaries in the area.
An Garda Síochána will not cold call to a house and request to do either of these.
In a statement, a spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána wish to remind the public that any Garda member calling to your door will have identification.
“Should you have any concerns about the person at the door, you should not answer the door even if they are purporting to be a Garda.
“Genuine Gardaí will always provide details to allow you to confirm their identity with the local Garda Station and will be patient while you choose to so.
“An Garda Síochána continue to advise home owners to ‘Lock Up and Light Up’ this winter.”
They also provided some simple steps that can help protect your home, so whether you are at home or going out remember:
- Turn on some lights, LED bulbs are more energy efficient than traditional bulbs.
- Use timer switches/ motion detectors/ smart lights to turn on lights via phone
- Use motion detector/sensor lights outside, make sure they cover the door and not just the area near the door.
- Lock all doors and windows as part of your regular routine
- Use an alarm – get it serviced and ensure battery pack is working
- Store keys away from windows
- Don’t keep large amounts of cash or jewellery in the house
Based on an analysis of burglaries from January to October 2022, jewellery and cash remain the most common objects stolen.
Computers, mobile phones, TVs and games consoles are also among the top items stolen.
Meanwhile, the practice of ‘fishing’, where car keys are fished through a letterbox by burglars, also remains a problem with the Dublin region most at risk
Speaking today, Sergeant Graham Kavanagh of the Garda National Crime Prevention Unit stated: "Burglaries traditionally rise during the long winter nights. Locking up and lighting up over the coming months could be the difference between making your home safe and making your home vulnerable. It’s as simple as that.
"As the days get shorter, simple steps have been proven to deter burglars, such as using an alarm, using timer switches to turn on lights, storing keys away from windows and letterboxes as well as having a lock up routine for all doors and windows.”
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