Burglaries in westmeath at lowest in a decade

 CSO Figures show county in contrast to country

The number of burglaries in Westmeath is at its lowest in more than a decade, in sharp contrast to trends in several other parts of the country.

That’s according to crime figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

The figures show that in the second quarter of this year, there were 68 burglaries in the Westmeath Garda Division, which is a decrease from 108 in the first quarter of the year. During the same period last year, between April and June, there were 136 burglaries in the county.

The figure for this year is the lowest for any quarter year since the CSO began compiling garda crime figures in 2003.

Nationally, there were increases in burglaries in 16 of the 28 garda divisions, while on average the rate of burglaries increased by 8.4% nationally.

In the Roscommon-Longford Garda Division, there were 122 burglaries in the second quarter of this year, an increase from 90 in the same period last year.

Westmeath Garda Division Crime Prevention Officer Sgt John Connolly said the reduction in burglaries is welcomed, “because they are an invasive crime”.

He attributed the reduction, in part, to good work and good communication between gardaí and the public.

He said that the text alert system, to which 2,500 people in Westmeath are linked, has been successful. This operates whereby members of various community alert and neighbourhood watch groups are alerted to incidents of crime.

“In the run-up to winter we are always keen to keep crime down,” said Sgt Connolly.

Gardaí will meet with various community alert groups over the coming weeks to issue general advice on security measures. This is done by the crime prevention office, in conjunction with community policing units in the county.

“If people are going away they should tell a neighbour or tell gardaí and report suspicious activity to gardaí. We are focusing on active patrolling,” said Sgt Connolly.

Thefts from shops are also down – from 104 in the first quarter to 68 in the second quarter of the year – which Sgt Connolly said was welcome. This will be one of the areas gardaí will focus on in the run-up to Christmas, in an effort to prevent shoplifting.

“(Business) People should be more cautious and use their lighting effectively. Shops should be aware of distraction thefts, particularly in the run-up to Christmas and check notes, particularly €50 and €100. Criminals are looking at the Christmas season already,” he said.