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NEARLY HALF OF the country takes no added security measures in December despite having hundreds of euro worth of presents at home.
The findings come from a study conducted by PhoneWatch which also discovered that just under 25% of houses are left unoccupied during December evenings.
Eoin Dunne, managing director of PhoneWatch, said: “Homes are more likely to be empty, and often contain lots of brand new gifts. At this time of year, extra vigilance is required to make sure your home is safe and secure.”
The research found that:
In open sight
Dunne added that most Irish people leave their presents in very obvious places, giving potential burglars an easy job of walking away with their possessions. Wardrobes are the most popular storage spot on 46% while 38% leave valuable gifts in open sight under their tree. According to Dunne:
This is simply a gift to any burglar.
The security company has also given the public a number of tips on how to deter potential burglars entering their homes. These included:
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Also don’t buy any “bargains” down the pub.
Well said, Ciaran. If you’ve ever supported one side of burglary then you shouldn’t complain about the other.
If it’s not yours then you don’t take it. Basic right and wrong.
Heartless robbing presents from families that barely manage to afford them as it is
I’d take pleasure in dancing all over the head of some little smack head this Christmas. They probably won’t serve any jail time if their caught, so make sure they don’t come back.
Decoy gift boxes??? At that stage they’re already in your house!!
You beat me too it!
To, even!
The point is use a “dummy” present if you want something to look pretty under the tree, but hide your nicely wrapped up iPad somewhere else.
Under the tree is the first place a thief will look at.
Do you want pissed off burglars in your home or do you want them in and out???
@⚡ Seánie ⚡: I prefer not to have them in my home in the first place
100% agree. That’s why my initial comment did question why I’d have them unwrapping dummy presents from under my tree.
@⚡ Seánie ⚡: Fill the decoy boxes with rat or gin traps, and failing that, a boxing glove on a spring.
Don’t post your comings and goings on Facebook.you may as well send the burglar an invite.these clowns that go on holiday and post it up On Facebook ” look at us we are away for two weeks”.mean while the burglars are having a fry up in their kitchen!
Set your alarm at night and when leaving. Its not a 100% deterrent but they’ll think twice if they hear it ringing.
I’m just thinking,It could be Santa doing all those burglaries. He has free access every Xmas eve coming down that chimney! I’m going to body search him on the way out this Xmas!
Having a dag in the gaff is a good plan too. Not just for Christmas though..
@Daffy the Bear: Agreed! saying that I’m very glad of our 40kg puppy from last year!
IP Camera … a good Christmas present.
Foscam FI9821W V2 for €120. very good picture & videos, saves short videos on SD card in the camera which can be viewed remotely. Can also send pics to your email. Record of the burglar held outside the premises in the “cloud”.
Physical barriers the best … secure external window beads and steel plate your door locks. Lock internal doors – delay.
Gardai know 6 out of 7 burglars … just need video/photo evidence and US 3 strike law.
@Neuville-Kepler62F: Also maintain one or two edged household tools securely and conveniently cached at choke points, like the head of the stairs or the environs thereof. Stuff you might well have around the house for good reason. Hatchet, circular saw blades, stuff like that. Remember Thermopylae.
If they rub my house the cost of fixing window / door will be probably the biggest as there is nothing worth much inside.
have your say