Burglary rates fall but vigilance key in prevention

HOME SECURITY ADVICE FROM EIR PHONEWATCH

LOUTH experienced a significant fall in the rate of burglaries in 2017 with a 9% fall, according to latest crime figures.

According to PhoneWatch, Ireland’s leading provider of home alarm systems, who last week launched their annual burglary report, while there was a 3% increase in the number of burglaries nationally there are significant regional variations which are a cause for concern.

In total there were 668 burglaries in Louth.

This equates to a rate of 16 per 1,000 houses, significantly higher than the national average of 11.

The busiest Garda stations in the county were Drogheda (322) and Dundalk (203), while the quietest was Omeath with six.

Speaking about the figures PhoneWatch Managing Director, Eoin Dunne said ‘Burglary remains all too common in Ireland, and while it is concerning that so many counties experienced significant increases last year, we welcome the decrease in Louth.

‘After several years of welcome falls any increase is burglary is a concern, but it is vital that efforts are taken to address the blackspots.’

He added: ‘ This responsibility falls on all of us, homeowners must take proactive steps to protect their homes and neighbours should be vigilant for one another.’

The spokesman added that a monitored alarm continues to be among the most effective ways to protect homes.

‘In the last year, while the nationwide rate increased, there was a 19% fall in the number of serious incidents involving PhoneWatch customers, a trend that has continued in recent years as our alarm technology and instant monitoring continue to act as a significant deterrent to potential burglars.

‘ The statistics show that a PhoneWatch home is a safer home and is four times less likely to be a victim of burglary.’

‘With the summer hopefully around the corner there are specific risks that can be avoided. Burglary thankfully remains a largely opportunistic crime, so homeowners can make their homes considerably safer by taking simple precautions and steps to make their homes less vulnerable.’

PhoneWatch research shows that almost 40% of burglars enter through the back of the house.

This can often be as windows and doors are left open in warmer weather. Garden tools, and ladders etc are also often used as implements to gain access to houses, while unlocked garages and sheds can prove easy targets.’

Specific advice also included avoiding posting any holiday photos to social media until after returning home. These can give clues that your home is empty.