Phonewatch’s latest statistics reveal a significant increase in burglaries along the west coast of Ireland, particularly in Connacht, compared to the previous year. Seven garda divisions nationwide have witnessed a rise in home invasions, with four of these divisions located in the west.
Clare leads with a 23% increase (197 burglaries), closely followed by Mayo at 22% (169 burglaries), while Sligo and Leitrim combined experienced a 17% surge (151 burglaries). Galway reported a 1% increase (385 burglaries). Louth, Wexford, and Dublin North Central also saw an 8% uptick. The west coast counties collectively faced 902 burglaries, averaging two to three home invasions per day.
Eoin Dunne, Managing Director of PhoneWatch, emphasised the goal of raising awareness about burglary risks without causing unnecessary fear. He urged homeowners to take preventive measures, especially as the darker evenings approach, to avoid the trauma of burglaries.
Nationwide, the statistics show an 8% decrease in burglaries across the other 21 Garda divisions over the past year, totaling 9,117 incidents, or approximately 25 per day. Notably, Dublin Eastern Gardaí division leads with a -26% decrease, followed by Wicklow at -23%, Cork West at -22%, and Dublin Southern Gardaí division at -21%.
An Garda Síochána reports reveal that 26% of burglars enter homes through the back door, 24% through back windows, and 8% through front windows. Phonewatch advises the public to secure doors and windows even when at home, use smart plugs to control lights on timers, and avoid leaving valuable items in plain sight. Homes monitored by PhoneWatch’s alarm systems are shown to be four times less likely to be burgled, according to data from their Alarm Receiving Centre.
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