Be extra vigilant as the dark nights creep in
GARDAÍ are urging home owners to be extra vigilant as the dark nights creep in as burglars are on the prowl.
By investing in a home security system you are protecting not only your property, but also you and your family from the upsetting and frightening experience of having your home burgled.
In 2019 there were 482 burglary and related offences in County Wicklow, up from 433 in 2018 and 327 in 2017 with 471 aggravated burglaries. Thefts and related offences stood at 987 recorded incidents last year.
In the category of robbery from a person, extortion, blackmail and car-jacking or hijacking offences, a total of 14 such cases were recorded on the PULSE system in County Wicklow. Included in this were five muggings or robbery from a person, the same number as 2018, four cases of blackmail or distortion and four robberies of an establishment or institution.
Of course, on most occasions a break in does not involve any threat to a person, but the effect the loss of personal items and knowing that someone – a complete stranger has entered your home – can have a traumatising effect on the home owner and his or her family.
There is no set pattern for burglaries. Sometimes homes are scoped out and monitored.
The word ransacked is commonly used by gardaí as if the burglar knows he has time he will go through everything in a house, all drawers, desks, a safe if there is one, to find what he is looking for. And usually that is electrical items and jewellery which can be turned over quickly for cash. Wedding and engagement rings, jewellery handed down from generations of family members, prized crystal have all been snapped up by burglars at homes throughout Co Wicklow over recent years.
Thankfully there are numerous local security firms who can advise you on what system would work best for your house. With the entry of a few digits you can go to sleep without any concern for you, your family and your property, knowing that if anyone tries to break into your house an alarm will sound, cameras will be on.
Simply by having a security system, with a light or not, burglars will be put off going into your home, whether or not there are cars parked in the driveway. With advances in technology and improvements in security systems, they know they will not be able to enter your home without putting themselves at extreme risk of being caught: either by the security company or the guards.
Having a dog is a deterrent to burglars also but as they say, often the bark is worse than the bite, so don’t skimp on protecting your home.
For a small investment, (which can often be paid in instalments), give yourself that peace of mind when you’re away from home, on holidays, at work and at all times, by contacting a local home security company who can discuss your options with you.