While December bring a time of good will and festivities, we would ask you be extra vigilant during this time. If you notice any suspicious activity, please report in to Rathfarnham Garda Station.

Our homes are sanctuaries where we should feel safe and secure. We get alot of people calling at our doors at this time of year for charities and that includes Christmas Carols singers. While many are for causes, always remember they may be alterior motives behind the innocent collection. Be aware that they may be trying to establish if your house is a potential target.

If answering the door to charity collectors or carol singers

• Ensure your back door and windows are locked.
• Turn on your lights
• Thank them and say no and contact the charity directly for a donation
• If you decide to give money, do not leave your door unattended. Close your door and then return with this money
• Keep an eye from your window on what they do next. If there is anything suspicious please contact the Garda.

In general, during the winter months, it’s important to take extra steps to deter potential burglaries.

These are straightforward steps to minimize the risk of burglary:

• Secure all windows and doors.
• Install a monitored alarm.
• Light up your home and use timer switches when out.
• Fit a door viewer/chain/limiter.
• Keep your front and back doors locked day and night.
• Don’t keep spare keys outside – instead ensure your neighbour has a spare key for emergencies.
• Photograph your personal belongings, e.g. jewellery and keep these on file.
• Do not open your door to anyone before you’ve checked who it is and what they want.
• Mark your property and record serial numbers where appropriate.
• Do not leave strangers unattended at your door.
• Ensure your back door is locked when you answer a call to your front door.
• Do not keep large amounts of cash at home.
• Know your neighbours, develop rapport and offer to keep an eye on each other’s homes,
  especially when away

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Our homes are sanctuaries where we should feel safe and secure. During the winter months, it’s important to take extra steps to deter potential burglaries. Last week, Crimestoppers launched a new campaign to combat the problem of burglary in the community.

The campaign is calling on members of the public to be vigilant for suspicious activity and to make themselves aware of the straightforward measures they can take to minimize the risk of burglary:

• Secure all windows and doors.
• Sign up to your local Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch schemes.
• Install a monitored alarm.
• Light up your home and use timer switches when out.
• Fit a door viewer/chain/limiter.
• Keep your front and back doors locked day and night.
• Don’t keep spare keys outside – instead ensure your neighbour has a spare key for emergencies.
• Photograph your personal belongings, e.g. jewellery and keep these on file.
• Do not open your door to anyone before you’ve checked who it is and what they want.
• Mark your property and record serial numbers where appropriate.
• Do not leave strangers unattended at your door.
• Ensure your back door is locked when you answer a call to your front door.
• Do not keep large amounts of cash at home.
• Know your neighbours, develop rapport and offer to keep an eye on each other’s homes,
  especially when away

There were 28,830 burglaries reported in Ireland last year to An Garda Siochana. Crimestoppers is asking members of the public to call 1800 25 00 25 if they see suspicious activity in their community. For more information on Crimestoppers, visit crimestoppers.ie.

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