VIDEO: Going Away For The Bank Holiday Weekend? The Gardaí Have Some Advice…

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Sergeant Kelvin Courtney giving home security tips in the Garda video (see below).

IF you’re heading away for the Bank Holiday Weekend you might want to follow the Gardaí’s advice about home security here.

Yesterday, Gardaí launched its Supporting Safer Communities Campaign 2015 and part of it is the Home Security Checklist Challenge to see how secure your home is.

Figures from An Garda Síochána Analysis Service indicate a rise in the number of reported residential burglaries over the last year. They point out that two out of three burglaries are residential burglaries.

The analysis also shows that on average over 50% of burglars enter through the rear of the home and 20% enter through an unlocked door or window.  In June this number rises to 30%.

“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,” said Sergeant Kelvin Courtney of the National Crime Prevention Unit.

“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. Robust doors and windows, properly fitted with quality locking systems present a good physical barrier to the burglar. However, if a door or window has been left open, their security qualities won’t make any difference.”

“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 driveway when you’re away. Remember the burglar is looking for signs of an empty house so don’t give them any,” he said.

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 simple survey that takes only a few minutes to complete and shows householders just how secure their home is,”  said Sergeant Courtney.

An Garda Síochána recommends people take the following steps to reduce the chances of their home being burgled:

• Secure all doors and windows

• Light up your home and use timer switches on lights for when you are out

• Store keys safely and away from windows and letterboxes

• Record details of valuables and don’t keep large cash amounts at home

• Use your alarm, even when you are at home

Take the Home Security Checklist Challenge on www.garda.ie and watch Sergeant Courtney providing tips from the National Crime Prevention Unit on home security in the video below…

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