More than a quarter of burglars enter houses 'by the front door'

More than a quarter of burglaries happen through the front door – often because it hasn’t been locked, the crime prevention officer for Westmeath, Sgt John Connolly, revealed this week.

“Statistically a small number of us are not closing our front doors and rear windows – simple prevention methods that cost nothing,” he said, going on to reveal that research has shown that in 27 per cent of burglaries, the intruders have entered through the front door.

While that might seem like obvious advice, there is lots more available from the gardaí on how to prevent burglaries and other crimes, and this Saturday, at an open day at Mullingar Garda Station, the public will get a chance to discuss those, or outline their own concerns – or simply see what the gardaí do.

Gardaí in Mullingar are throwing open the doors of the station for a “multicultural day” on Saturday from midday to 3pm as part of the An Garda Síochána Safer Communities promotion.

Speaking on behalf of Chief Superintendent Mark Curran, Sgt Connolly said the gardaí locally are looking forward to seeing the public drop in on Saturday, and they will be shown around the station, meet members of the local force, and get to see what happens every day.

“Members of the specialised units including the Armed Support Unit and Traffic Corps, will be available,” said Sgt Connolly, adding that the event is being run by the Community Policing Unit, which ran a similar event last year, and that attracted large numbers.

There will also be a number of crime prevention leaflets in the public offices of the garda stations, and, he said, a number of crime prevention presentations will take place in Westmeath in the coming days and weeks.

“Should you require a home security presentation for your group contact me – or any garda – who will arrange same,” said Sgt Connolly, going on to add that the garda website, garda.ie, contains a wealth of information on security and traffic advice, available to download free of charge.

Sergeant Connolly said the aim of the campaign is to highlight crime prevention, thereby reducing opportunity for crime, and to promote community safety.

“Road safety of course is another vital strand of this campaign, particularly with the approach of winter and changing climate coupled with dark evenings.”

For more information contact your local garda station, the Community Policing Units in Athlone or Mullingar or Sergeant Connolly, at Mullingar 044 9384000.