Gardaí launch winter phase of Operation Thor in County Mayo

AN Garda Síochána has launched the winter phase of Operation Thor - the annual increased enforcement operation aimed at preventing burglars from exploiting the reduced hours of daylight.

While international evidence suggests that burglaries tend to rise by as much as 20% during the winter, this has not been the reality in Ireland in recent years.

Burglary remains a concern, but is not as prevalent as it has been in the past. Since Operation Thor was established in 2015, the level of recorded burglary has fallen by 72.2%.

Data from the last three winter phases of Operation Thor shows that around four in every five (78.8%) residential burglaries occur during twilight and night-time hours (4 p.m. to 8 a.m.) - largely due to shorter daylight hours in the evenings - so now is time to consider security in your home.

Crime prevention officer for Mayo, Sergeant Seán Cunnane said: "The most common time for burglaries to occur during the winter is between 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. During those hours, it’s quite easy to pick out a vacant property if it’s in darkness. No light means nobody is at home, and this provides an easy target for the opportunistic burglar.

"During the last three winter phases of Operation Thor, figures show that around one in every four (23.9%) residential burglaries, entry was gained through an unsecured door.

"Burglary is a particularly insidious crime because it strikes at the place where people should be safest - their own home. The impact can go far beyond the loss of property and for many victims, the sense of intrusion can stay with them for a very long time. Some never fully get over the experience.

"An Garda Síochána’s winter burglary message is Lock Up and Light Up. By leaving on a light or bringing one on with a timer switch after 5 p.m. creates the impression somebody is at home. While we’re all conscious of energy costs, LED bulbs are much cheaper to run and provide whiter brighter light. Smart bulbs, which connect to your Wi-Fi, can be programmed or controlled via a mobile app for added convenience.

"Lock Up is an obvious crime prevention measure. Ensure all doors and windows have a good standard locking mechanism. Door and window security standards are important, as standards mean the item has been tested to withstand a criminal attack for a prolonged period. Always make sure your vehicle is locked and that there is nothing left on the seat or visible from the windows.

"Sheds and outhouses should also remain locked up, as should any valuable machinery or tools within. While a good quality padlock is recommended on the door, consider chaining together or anchoring down items such as lawnmowers, bicycles, boat engines and any other items that may not be in use over the winter.”

He continued: "Security is all about layers, and the first physical layer of security is your boundary wall, fence and gate. Keeping gates closed is a great deterrent as you’re laying out your patch, marking your territory - and anyone crossing that line uninvited or unauthorised is trespassing. So if you have entrance gates onto your property, my advice is to get into setting the good habit of keeping them closed.

“Good lighting outside your property and a house alarm also act as a good deterrent. Video doorbells are popular and are a cost-effective security measure.”

Burglars are looking for cash and expensive jewellery. So with that in mind you should not keep large amounts of cash at home. Jewellery should be worn or stored in a safe or safety deposit box.

The free Garda Property App is very useful as it allows people to index and record their personal property, such as jewellery. Download the app today from the Android or iOS App Stores and start logging all valuables. Property marking engagement days are held by local community policing units and regularly highlighted on garda social media platforms

Added Sergeant Cunnane: “People looking out for others is a very positive approach and we encourage people to be proactive in this regard.

“In relation to the more vulnerable members of your communities, we ask people to look out for them. If you see a car or van going down a road that you are unsure of or that you feel just doesn’t feel right, don’t wait for someone else to report it or assume that somebody else will - pick up the phone and call your local garda station.”

FIVE TIPS

1. Keep gates closed.

2. Have a light come on in your home from 5 p.m. each evening.

3. Lock all doors, windows and outhouses using good quality locks and consider secondary retrofit locks.

4. Don’t keep large amounts of cash at home.

5. Use an alarm or video doorbell as a deterrent.