Owners of vacant properties, holiday homes and mobile homes in Clare are being warned to ensure they’re secure in the run up to the holiday period.
An Garda Síochána has identified crime trends across the country showing that buildings vacant for either for short or long periods, as well as properties advertised for sale are being targeted for burglary, especially in isolated areas.
Gardaí are highlighting a number of ways to keep your home secure, including asking neighbours or family to check the property at various times of the day, setting a house alarm and checking all doors and windows are secure.
Garda Albert Hardiman from Clare’s Crime Prevention Unit is also advising people to “Install timers on internal lights and motion detectors on external lights to make the house appear occupied and offer natural surveillance of the property.
“Ensure that your property doesn’t look neglected. Cut the grass, trim hedges etc.
“Ask a neighbour to collect post or if you are going to be away for longer periods arrange a ‘mail minder’ service with An Post to retain post for collection and place a ‘No Junk Mail’ sign on letter-box.
“Inform the local Garda station about the premises being vacant to afford passing attention on patrols,” Garda Hardiman advised.
