A checklist of things people can do around the home can help to reduce the risk of break-ins and burglary
Some simple steps can help to protect your home from burglars
An Garda Síochána has urged residents to conduct home security assessments to help guard against break-ins.
While officers acknowledge that no home can be made completely burglar-proof, security checks can prevent properties from becoming easy targets.
Gardaí have emphasised that opportunistic thieves favour easy targets, and that a modest investment of time and money can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to burglary.
Forcing would-be intruders to make noise, take longer, or risk being spotted will immediately deter them. Gardaí are advising homeowners to apply the three-minute delay test to their properties.
The three-minute delay test means being able to prevent entry to your home for three minutes or more – during which time, it is highly likely that burglars will move on.
This straightforward checklist highlights vulnerabilities in your home security, covering factors such as house numbers, outdoor lighting, and dependable neighbours who can keep an eye on things.
Steps to take to protect your home from burglarsSecure all doors and windows; light up your home; use timer switches when out; store keys safely and away from windows; record details of all valuables; don’t keep large amounts of cash at home; use your alarm even when at home.By taking some simple precautions you can reduce the risk of being burgled, increase the security of your home and garden and make life more difficult for any would-be intruders.Your perimeter / boundary is your first line of defence. This includes your walls, fences, gates and hedges. Walls, fences and gates in the rear garden should be at least 1.8 metres (6 feet) high. It is often a good idea to fix a trellis to the top as it provides an extra barrier to negotiate and is also likely to break, if climbed, creating noise and attracting attention. Suitable thorny / prickly climbers could be grown through the trellis as an extra deterrent – see further information on defensive planting in the next section.Ensure that side gates or doors are robust, locked with good quality padlocks or deadlocks and that they cannot be lifted off their hinges. Regularly check for damage or weakness and repair as necessary. The height of the gate / door should complement the height of the walls. A barrier consisting of a dense prickly hedge running along your perimeter / boundary is well worth considering. Most would-be intruders will be deterred from seeking entry through this route. There are many plants suitable for such a role. The following list is not exhaustive and is offered as a guide only – you should discuss with a horticultural expert at your garden centre or nursery.
Want to see more of the stories you love from Dublin Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Dublin Live as a preferred source, simply click here.
Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .