Survey shows drop in Northside robberies

THE
latest figures from eircom PhoneWatch have revealed a slight drop in the number
of burglaries carried out on the Northside this year.

Their
annual survey shows that house robberies North of the Liffey now account for 37
per cent of all burglaries committed in the capital, compared to last year’s
statistic of 47 per cent.

Meanwhile,
house theft on the Southside is on the rise – accounting for 63 per cent of
burglaries in the capital, up from 53 per cent in 2010.

Dublin
continues to top Ireland’s burglary table. Burglaries in the capital are up
overall by 13 per cent this year, making up 42 per cent of all break-ins
nationwide.

South
County Dublin is the most burgled area in the capital, with Dun Laoghaire,
Dalkey and Killiney the prime targets for thieves. However, the Southside is
also home to areas that are least likely to be burgled in the city – Dublin 10
(Ballyfermot and Cherry Orchard) and Dublin 20 (Chapelizod and Palmerstown).

The
author of the report warned that November is the most likely month of the year
for burglaries to occur, with Thursday the preferred day for robbers to
strike. Householders are urged to remain
security aware moving into the winter months, and also to note that most
burglars operate between midday and 4pm.

Speaking
at the launch of the 2011 Burglary Report, the general manager of eircom
PhoneWatch, Eoin Dunne, said the findings reinforced data collected over
previous years.

“Using
household insurance claims lodged between July 2010 and 2011, we have
determined once again that burglars no longer strike solely under cover of
darkness,

? he said.

“For the fifth year in a row, the report shows that almost
a quarter of burglaries take place during the early afternoon hours. Also, the
vast majority of burglaries take place while the home is occupied, thus
increasing the risk of confrontation and personal danger, so it is really
important that people become security aware while they are in the home.’

Semi-detached
homes represent the most targeted type of dwelling, with almost 45 per cent of
burglaries taking place in three-bedroom homes in particular. Three-quarters of
homes burgled did not have a monitored alarm in place, further highlighting the
need for homeowners with no household security to be more diligent.

“Regardless
of boom or bust, burglary is a crime phenomenon, which is simply not going
away,

? added Mr Dunne.

“This year’s findings also indicate that burglars are
more opportunistic than ever, gaining entry through front and rear doors and
taking lower value items.

?