An Garda Síochána, as a member of the European Crime Prevention Network (EUCPN) and 16 European countries aim to step up the fight against domestic burglary by informing citizens on how they can better protect their homes against this crime.
Domestic burglary is a criminal offence that all European countries are fighting to eliminate. It not only robs victims of their possessions – it can also rob people of their sense of security at home, a place where everyone should feel most safe, and have lasting negative effects on individuals and communities. That is why 16 European countries, united in the EUCPN (European Crime Prevention Network) and EUROPOL, have joined forces to launch this initiative.
In Ireland residential burglary in 2021 fell as a consequence of COVID-19 restrictions, with sharp reductions observed particularly in the months where Government restrictions on work, travel, school and business, prevented normal movement of people and vehicles. There were 44% fewer residential burglaries reported over the 12 months between April 2020 and April 2021. Every Garda Region recorded less domestic burglaries.
Speaking following the launch of the EU Wide Focus Day on Burglary, Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Graham Kavanagh said:
“An Garda Síochána is committed in the fight against domestic burglaries. This European Focus day on Burglary Prevention is an opportunity for us to remember the simple steps to secure our homes:
• Whether at home or going out, turn on some lights, use timer switches.
• Lock all doors and windows, almost 1 in 4 Summer time burglaries involve entry through an unsecured access point.
• Use your house alarm.
• Store keys safely; away from windows and letterboxes.
• Record details of valuables and don’t keep large cash amounts at home.