Lock up and light up - Garda

Homeowners are being urged to lock up, light up and protect their properties as gardaí warn against the rising threat of house burglaries and thefts of home heating oil as evenings draw shorter and get darker.

An Garda Síochána’s annual Operation Thor winter phase gets underway at the beginning of next month, October 1, and runs until March 31.

Statistics show that burglaries increase by 25% during the winter period, with more than 40% of winter break-ins occurring between 5pm and 11pm.

Gardaí warn that criminals often do not need to force their way inside, with around one in five entries gained through an unsecured door or window.

Cavan Superintendent Gavin O’Reilly is urging householders to take precautions now.

The warning extends beyond the home itself, with heating-oil tanks, sheds, garages and outbuildings also vulnerable.

With households relying heavily on home heating oil through the colder months, and with costs mounting, such thefts can leave families facing significant financial losses.

“We'd advise homeowners to secure oil tanks and other outdoor assets and to remain vigilant for suspicious vehicles or people operating around properties, particularly after dark.”

The message from Gardaí is simple: Lock Up, Light Up and Set Alarms.

Doors and windows should be “securely locked”, with doors double-locked using a deadbolt even when occupants are at home. Automatic timer switches and motion-sensor lighting can make a property appear occupied and deter would-be burglars.

House alarms should be activated every time householders leave, “even for short trips”.

“Car and house keys should be kept away from windows, doors and letterboxes and out of sight,” says Supt O'Reilly, with gardaí previously warning about so-called 'fishing' thefts, where criminals retrieve keys through letterboxes.

Operation Thor will see Gardaí increase patrols and intelligence-led activity to prevent burglaries and target prolific offenders, with Supt O’Reilly urging homeowners “not to make it easy for criminals”.

“A locked door, a switched-on light, an activated alarm and a securely protected oil tank could all help keep thieves out these dark evenings,” he told the Celt.