The European Union is determined to fight against burglars. The union has announced a special day for it.
This day calls on all European countries to fight together to end the criminal crime of domestic theft.
Garda Síochána released details of the housebreaking in Ireland as part of today’s activities.
Garda says unsafe doors and windows account for one-fifth of all burglaries.
Residential looting decreased in March and April due to government restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 period. This was because people were restricted to their own houses.
From March to August this year, 43% fewer residential robberies were reported than in the same period in 2019.
Garda’s Operation Thor was launched on October 1 to prevent robberies and related criminal activities. With the start of Operation Thor, there has been a sharp decline in looting through vulnerable windows and doors.
Thieves in Ireland have been known to break open the front door (34%), smash the back door (25%) and the rear window (20%).
About 75% of what is stolen from homes is jewelry and cash. Garda reminded people to avoid keeping large amounts of money at home and precious jewelry should be safely deposited in the box.
Another item that is increasingly being stolen is electronic equipment. Garda says it would be best for owners to mark the serial number of their devices and take photos and record them.
There is a huge increase in the number of bicycle theft cases from homes, garages and sheds. To prevent this, care should be taken to securely lock items inside the shed / garage and this should also have a strong lock. Installing a house alarm will also reduce theft.
Gardaí reminds people of these steps that can help protect their home:
- Turn on some lights
- Use timer switches
- Lock all doors and windows
- Use an alarm
- Store keys away from windows
- Don’t keep large amounts of cash or jewellery in the house