Back to the cold again this week. Remember never leave your vehicle unattended and running while de-icing it. Cases of criminals stealing cars while idling in driveways. Also never leave valuables in your parked car remove them, lock and secure. #parksmart

An Garda Síochána are urging motorists to park smart in the lead up to Christmas by ensuring that your vehicle is locked no matter where it’s parked to avoid being the target of opportunistic thieves. National figures show that one-third of all vehicles broken into in residential areas had been left unlocked by the owner. Tips to Prevent Theft – Wherever you park your car or van, take your property with you. – Ensure your car is locked, alarmed and parked in a safe location – Store your keys safely, away from windows and letterboxes – Gardaí are appealing for all vehicle owners to ensure they lock their vehicle no matter where it is parked. – Do not store valuables in the car, but if you have to, keep them out of sight. #ParkSmart #CrimePrevention

A conversation to have with family, friends and neighbours particularly those that may be more vulnerable. Gardaí are aware of an increase in the number of incidents of people impersonating Gardaí. Recent incidents of this type involve the ‘conmen’ requesting to check cash held by the injured party as a result of an increase in counterfeit cash circulating in the area, or that the ‘conmen’ need to check the security of the house as a result of an increase in burglaries in the area. An Garda Síochána will not cold call to a house and request to do either of these. An Garda Síochána wish to remind the public that any Garda member calling to your door will have identification. Should you have any concerns about the person at the door, you should not answer the door even if they are purporting to be a Garda. Genuine Gardaí will always provide details to allow you to confirm their identity with the local Garda Station and will be patient while you choose to so. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02vF5cqBA2JJVkFJ5q1X2g9Y3ikmuLQoCZx4oymy5rYUDmosuGFDqDXdrTZXVzCjeSl&id=100067892474295

Lock Up Light Up is An Garda Síochána’s anti-burglary awareness campaign which encourages homeowners to protect their homes over the winter months, when burglaries traditionally tend to rise. Data from the Garda Analysis Service shows that one-third of all burglaries are through the front doors – with most burglars using their own body to gain entry. Other key findings include: Burglars also commonly target back doors (26%), back windows (24%) and front windows (8%), with one in five cases involving a burglar getting access through an unsecured door or window. Jewellery and cash remain the most common objects stolen, with €600 being the average value of goods taken. Computers, mobile phones, TVs and games consoles are also among the top items stolen. Nearly half of burglaries (46%) occur between 5pm and 11pm. The practice of ‘fishing’, where car keys are fished through a letterbox by burglars, also remains a problem with the Dublin region most at risk.

BOGUS CALLERS Unfortunately, everyone can receive visits form bogus callers and our older persons are frequently targeted by them. Bogus callers will say anything to get into your home or onto your property. “There’s been an accident, can I call an ambulance?” “I’ve broken down, can I use your phone?” “I’ve had a fall, could I have a glass of water” “I’m from the council, there’s a burst main, I need to turn off your supply” Occasionally we see them telling people they are members of An Garda Síochána that are investigating counterfeit money. They then steal peoples money. Some will keep you talking at the front door while their accomplice sneaks in the back door. In all cases you need to be wary of strangers calling to your home. They will be offering services such as powerwashing, painting, selling goods etc. Take precautions – • Do not open the door to anyone before you’ve checked who it is and what they want. Use your door viewer and chain/limiter. • Check identification, where appropriate. • Do not leave strangers unattended at your doorstep. • Ensure your back door is locked when you answer a call at the front door. •keep gates to yards closed. We advise and encourage people not to engage with such callers. Don’t open your door to anyone before you have checked who it is and what they want. They can be intimidating and refuse to take no for an answer. We ask you to be vigilant when out and about and report suspicious persons/vehicles to us immediately. Please pass this advice on to those in our community that may not follow our page. REMEMBER IF IN DOUBT KEEP THEM OUT. https://www.garda.ie/en/crime/burglary-theft/what-is-a-bogus-caller-.html

The Seniors Alert Scheme (SAS) has been established to encourage community support for vulnerable older people in our communities. Search the website by County for providers or you can contact Pobal onlinesupport@pobal.ie or telephone (01) 511 7222. https://www.pobal.ie/programmes/seniors-alert-scheme-sas/?s=09

What is the Garda Property app? This is a free app developed by An Garda Síochána to allow you to record and index your property, for example, bicycles, laptops, farm machinery etc.