BURGLARS are now using glasscutters to remove window panes and enter homes in Ballymun and Finglas, it was revealed last week.
Finglas gardaí have acknowledged an increase in the number of burglaries in Finglas east during November and are now focussed on measures to prevent and detect further incidents.
And Gardaí in Ballymun have told Local councillor Noeleen Reilly (IND) that their detective unit is actively investigating burglaries in their area.
Cllr Reilly posted on Facebook that she was aware of burglaries in Ballymun and Finglas where glass had been removed to gain access.
“Shockingly this has happened at times when people are inside,” she said.
“In recent days we have seen this happen in the Finglas area. I put a question to Gardaí at the recent policing meeting.
“It is really important that people are vigilant at all times and check that the house is well lit up and windows and doors are locked.”
Cllr Reilly is urging locals to report anything suspicious.
In their response to Cllr Reilly, Ballymun Gardaí said that while there were burglaries in the Ballymun area where glass had been removed, the number was “small.”
Gardaí in Finglas told Cllr Reilly that they were using the resources of Operation Hybrid – set up to respond to gangland crime – to tackle burglaries.
“At present, Operation Hybrid consists of seven checkpoints conducted in the Finglas area from 4pm to 2am for 30-minute durations,” the Gardaí said.
“Two uniformed gardaí, two armed gardaí and a supervisory uniform sergeant man these checkpoints. Along with these checkpoints, a focused patrol of the area is conducted in between the listed checkpoint schedules.
“Garda members attached to the regular uniformed units in Finglas are fully briefed on the burglaries also and patrol the areas in between dealing with calls.”
Additional personnel have been deployed to the Gardaí’s community action team and they are prioritising community harm issues.
Local detective units are also maintaining a presence on the ground while community gardaí in Finglas are patrolling all areas and ensuring call backs are provided to victims of crime who are given personal and property security advice.