Good weather is perfect for opportunistic criminals, the IFA has warned in appealing to farmers and householders in general not to let their guard down.
IFA Rural Crime Prevention Executive, Colin Connolly, said, “As we are enjoying the current good weather it is important to be extra vigilant about your home security. Don’t assume because you are at home, your property is safe. In many burglaries I attended as a garda, the homeowner was present, and perhaps in the rear of the house or garden, at the time of the crime.
“We are all opening up our homes, sheds and garages to let in the sun after a long hard winter but it’s important to be mindful of criminals who will be canvassing the area for an opportunity to strike.
Lock windows on the ground floor level.
Ensure that, if you are opening windows on the first floor, they cannot be entered from a porch, drain pipe or a ladder left out.
Be clever about how you lock up and when going to bed at night; make sure that if you are leaving a window open, it is not accessible.
If you are working in the yard or garden, make sure you have locked all the doors and windows to your home as you may be easily distracted in your work
If you are working with power tools or gardening equipment be extra vigilant as you may not hear a person entering your property.
Carry a key with you; don’t be tempted to leave the key under a pot or stone near the door
If you are to the rear of the property your home may appear to be unoccupied which might draw a criminal’s attention
Consider setting the alarm if you feel that you may get distracted in your work or nod off while relaxing.
It is exam time and many students may well be out in the back garden studying – be sure to lock the front of the house.
When you are finished working outside, make sure to put away the power tools and machinery. Too often, I have heard people say, “I was only away for a few minutes” or “It was the first time I left it outside” – take a few minutes to ensure your personal safety and that of your home and property.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.