Burglars targeting local homes

FINGLAS
residents are being warned to increase home security measures following a spate
of burglaries in the area.

Up to 11 houses
were targeted in one estate in Finglas South over the course of a single night
just over two weeks ago but sporadic break-ins have been reported throughout
the area recently.

Dublin North
West TD Dessie Ellis (SF) said he’s never heard of so many burglaries happening
in Finglas.

“It seems
there’s been a lot in almost every area so people need to ensure they lock up
their homes properly at night,

? he told Northside People.

“I’ve never seen
it as bad and it seems to be happening all around. People need to be extra
careful.

?

It’s been
reported that thieves are breaking into some houses from the rear, removing
locks from back doors, while other homes have been entered from the front with
burglars pushing implements through letter boxes and forcing door handles to
open.

Locals believe
there is at least one gang operating in the area. The burglary of 11 houses on
a single night in Finglas South is thought to be the work of an organised gang
from Eastern Europe. Some of the goods stolen were later recovered in the
Liffey Valley area.

However, most
burglaries are carried out by individuals or a team of two working together on
houses. A small number of apartments have also been targeted.

Local gardai
have made a number of arrests but are still urging home owners to be vigilant.
Meetings have been held in the area offering tips on home protection and locals
are invited to contact community gardai at Finglas Garda Station if they have
any concerns.

“Burglars like
easy opportunities,

? a Garda spokesperson said.

“A burglar only
needs to spot an open window, an unlocked side gate or a dodgy alarm to make
their move.

“The good news
is that it does not take much to secure your house – and put off thieves.

?

Finglas gardai
have offered the following home safety tips:

?¢ Check all the
doors and windows are locked – even if you are just popping out for a minute.

?¢ Fit deadlocks
to all outside doors. Burglars hate them because you need a key to open them
from the inside as well as the outside.

?¢ Fit
key-operated locks to all the windows. Burglars do not like having to break
glass because of the noise it makes and the risk of leaving forensic evidence

?¢ Install a
visible burglar alarm – and turn it on!

?¢ Do not leave
spare keys hidden outside or in the garage or shed.

?¢ Leave lights
on and the radio on a timer for the evening so that it looks like someone is
in.

?¢ Make sure your
garden is secure with good fencing and a padlocked side gate if applicable.
Ensure your shed is locked at all times.

?¢ Make sure the
TV, video and other valuables can’t be seen from the window.

?¢ Make sure
there is no cash lying around.

?¢ Close your
curtains and leave a light on if out when it is dark.

?¢ Further crime
prevention information is available from Finglas Garda Station on 01-6667500 or
on the Garda website at www. garda.ie