The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
Householders have been urged to review their home security arrangements in light of the latest CSO Crime Report.
According to the CSO, “There were 28,583 recorded burglary and related offences in the 12-month period ending in Q1 2015, representing an increase of 2,113 (+8.0%) when compared with the corresponding period ending in 2014.
Comparing the same periods, aggravated burglary offences rose slightly by 0.9% to 324 offences, while recorded burglary (not aggravated) offences increased by 8.1%, from 25,499 to 27,600. Possession of an article (with intent to burgle, steal, demand) offences increased by 1.4% to 659.” CSO 2015.
Of these burglaries, 456 took place in Clare Garda Division from Q1 2014 – Q1 2015.
Eoin Dunne, CEO of PhoneWatch said, “The crime statistics offer a snapshot of where Ireland is at in terms of burglary. Anyone can be a victim of home intrusions – ourselves, our friends, loved ones and neighbours. Burglars are ruthless and more often than not opportunistic. As homeowners we need to stop making it so easy for them to enter our properties.”
PhoneWatch recently commissioned a survey of 1,000 homeowners from across the country.
“The results show that although 85% of Irish homeowners are concerned about being burgled, almost half of those surveyed did not have a burglar alarm – a primary deterrent against thieves.”
“The worst thing for many home owners is not the loss of valuables but the lost sense of security. Our homes should be sanctuaries where we should feel safe and secure. Installing a monitored alarm can give greater peace of mind. In our survey 19% of those with a monitored alarm feel more secure than they did a year ago, compared with those without an alarm who feel less secure (18%),” Mr Dunne said.
