|
|
Burglars strike when you're home
01.07.11
by Caoimhinn Barr, Inishowen Independent
YOUR home is most likely to be burgled while you are
in it and thieves are most likely to strike on a
Saturday evening, new Garda figures have shown.
Chief Garda Crime Prevention Officer Paul Wallace
revealed that eight out of ten burglaries in
Inishowen happen when the occupants are still at
home.
“There have been a number of creeper burglaries in
Inishowen. There are many good quality homes here
that are often empty with rich pickings inside, such
as flat-screen TVs and computers,” he said.
Speaking at the launch of a new Neighbourhood Watch
booklet in Muff on Monday night, Sgt. Wallace said
the county continues to have a high rate of assaults
while the theft of copper here in Inishowen has
‘sky-rocketed’ recently.
|
 |
|
Members of Muff Neighbourhood Watch
pictured with local Gardai at the launch of their
crime prevention booklet. |
Robberies from cars are also on the increase this
summer with a gang targeting vehicles at beaches,
wakes and other religious ceremonies.
Another sophisticated criminal ring of ATM skimmers
is currently in operation with members of the public
urged to avoid isolated cash points in quiet areas.
“If you see something suspicious at a cash machine
take a step back and walk away. Don’t start pulling
at anything because they will be watching you and
could close in to attack,” Sgt. Wallace warned.
Revealing that crime was down in the Muff area this
year despite a gun and bomb attack, Garda
Superintendent Kevin English said it is important
that the whole community remains on high alert.
“It is important that we all remain vigilant. We
have had a number of robberies in Inishowen recently
including an armed robbery at Bridgend. We will back
up the local Gardai wherever possible with periodic
checkpoints,” he said.
Supt. English said members of the public could play
their part too.
“I would urge anyone who witnesses any suspicious
activity to lift the phone and we will endeavour to
respond as quickly as possible. Sometimes it is best
to be a bit nosy and to know what’s happening in
your community.” |
|
