Basic tips to avoid being burgled while on holiday

Garda Crime Watch with Sergeant Michael Walsh

WHILE burglary reports have reached nowhere near their pre-pandemic levels, its important remain vigilant over the Summer holiday period when many homes will be vacant.

Nothing suits the burglar better than an empty property, so if you are going to be away you should take the following small steps to make your home more secure.

Good neighbours are a vital component in crime prevention – that’s why Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert are so popular.

They work on the basis that every member of a community can help to improve the quality of life in the area by keeping a look out for each other and reporting suspicious activities to the Gardaí. Before you go away, it is advisable to speak with trusted neighbours and ask them to keep an eye on your property.

One in four summertime burglaries are through an unsecured access point, with the front door being a common entry point, so make sure all doors and windows are fully secured. Store keys safely and please do not put spare keys under flowerpots, wheelie bins or other easily found places.

Nobody wants to get locked out of their home without a spare key, so its worth considering an exterior wall mounted pin-coded safe for a spare key. These are available form most reputable locksmiths at a reasonable price.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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