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.