Laois Gardai issue advice following rural burglaries

Householders are being urged to exercise vigilance following a number of recent burglaries. 

Gardaí have issued advice to people in Laois and Offaly following the crimes. 

“Gardaí in Laois and Offaly are currently investigating a number of rural house burglaries. While we are actively working to prevent further incidents, we need the continued support and vigilance of local communities.

As we come into the spring months, people naturally spend more time outdoors, working around their homes, farms and gardens. Unfortunately, this can also create opportunities for crime if basic security is overlooked,” Gardaí said. 

“In many burglaries, the most commonly stolen items are cash and jewellery, often taken quickly from accessible areas of the home. In fact, one in four burglaries involves entry through an unlocked door or window,” they stated. 

Gardaí said common vulnerabilities include doors, windows, gates or sheds left unlocked, keys left in vehicles or machinery, tools or equipment left unsecured, cash or jewellery left visible or easily accessible and property not marked or recorded. 

“Criminals look for the easiest opportunity. If a property appears accessible or unobserved, it is more likely to be targeted,”  Laois Offaly Gardai warned. 

They urged people to lock doors, windows, gates and sheds, remove keys from vehicles and machinery, secure tools and equipment when not in use, keep cash and jewellery out of sight or in a secure safe, mark and record property (we recommend the Garda Property App),  use external lighting and CCTV where appropriate and to report suspicious behaviour promptly. 

“Good habits, neighbour awareness and timely reporting all help to reduce opportunities for crime. If you see anything suspicious or have information, contact 999 immediately.

Working together, we can help keep our communities safe,” said Gardaí.