An Garda Síochána is advising homeowners to conduct security checks to reduce the risk of burglary, emphasizing that simple precautions can make properties less appealing to opportunistic criminals. Recommendations include the three-minute delay test, securing entry points, improving lighting, and utilizing alarms.
An Garda Síochána has called on householders to carry out home security checks to help protect against burglaries. While officers recognise that no property can be rendered entirely burglar-proof, security assessments can stop homes from becoming soft targets.
Gardaí have stressed that opportunistic criminals prefer easy targets, and that a modest investment of time and resources can substantially reduce your chances of becoming a burglary victim. Making potential intruders create noise, spend longer, or risk detection will instantly put them off. Gardaí are recommending homeowners apply the three-minute delay test to their properties.
The three-minute delay test involves being able to prevent access to your property for three minutes or longer - during which period, it is extremely likely that burglars will abandon their attempt, reports Dublin Live . This simple checklist identifies weaknesses in your home security, addressing elements such as house numbers, exterior lighting, and trustworthy neighbours who can monitor activity.
Secure 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 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.
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