29/05/2015

Garda Urge Residents To Take Home Security Checklist Challenge

An Garda Síochána has launched a new home security campaign, calling on the public to take its Home Security Checklist Challenge.

Launched as part of its Supporting Safer Communities Campaign, garda said that there was a 4% rise in residential burglaries in 2013 – 2014, with the most likely entry point being the rear of a house.

Sergeant Kelvin Courtney of the National Crime Prevention Unit said: "Burglars like easy opportunities. If they have to make a lot of noise, spend a lot of time or risk being seen, the chances are they won’t bother. A good rule of thumb is the 3 minute delay test. If you can deny entry for 3 minutes or more – chances are the burglars will go elsewhere.

Sergeant Courtney added: "Good neighbours are priceless, particularly when you’re going away. Leave a key with a trusted neighbour. Get them to collect your post and your deliveries if you haven’t already cancelled them. They might even leave their spare car in your drive way when you’re away. Remember the burglar is looking for signs of an empty house so don’t give them any.

"It’s always a good idea to join a community crime prevention programme like neighbourhood watch or community alert. There’s security in numbers."

The Home Security Checklist Challenge available on the Garda website is "a simple survey that takes only a few minutes to complete and shows householders just how secure their home is."

(MH)

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