Households across Cavan and Monaghan are needing some home security tips while
they are away this Christmas.
According to AA Ireland, Christmas is a good time for criminals to take the
opportunity to ransack households, particularly in rural areas like Cavan
and Monaghan, just at a time when they know it is laden with expensive
gifts.
According to the Central Statistics Office, burglaries have increased by
33% compared to last year, and alarmingly 1 in 10 homes in Ireland have been
burgled in the last ten years.
As a result, AA Ireland has offered some top tips to keep households safe
over the Christmas period.
First off it's important to pretend that some is in. So when you venture
out, you need to give the impression that someone is still there.
This can be done by putting lights on timers and leaving the radio on to
make it look and sound as if someone is at home.
If you are planning on going away for a few days, it is a good idea to let
your neighbours know.
They might take in your bins from the roadside (a giveaway that you aren't
there), and if they have two cars, you might ask them to park one in your
driveway to give the impression that the house is currently occupied by
someone there.
Lastly, family members are asked to be mindful of their social media and
tagging themselves and their location.
This might well attract the attention of a criminal in your area who is
aware of you or your property.
