Gardaí advise against complacency in the summer

Sergeant John Connolly, Westmeath Crime Prevention Officer, is warning the public not to become complacent regarding home and shed security in the coming months.

While house break-in numbers have reduced due to the good work of the public securing their houses, unfortunately we have witnessed an increase in the theft of ride on lawn mowers and bicycles in the past two months in Westmeath, Sgt Connolly said.

“These of course are classic summertime items and therefore in demand,” he noted.

The recent areas of concern are Gaybrook to The Downs to Killucan, along with the peripheries of Mullingar.

These have been night-time burglaries to date and the most recent ones have been Sunday to Thursday.

“I would appeal to anyone who is out socialising, taxi drivers, those heading to work in the early hours, milkmen – in fact anyone who sees suspicious activity – to contact Mullingar or Athlone Garda Stations immediately,” said Sgt Connolly. “A registration or even partial registration can assist us.”

Having looked at the method of the break-ins, its unfortunate that a small percentage of sheds were left open and most had the locks forced or barrels popped.

It is obvious that a van would be required to move the lawnmowers due to their bulk.

“I would offer the following advice to the public...”

• Ensure your shed is locked.

• Consider an additional lock if you feel there is a weakness in your current mechanism.

• Place your car in front of your shed door at night if possible.

• Consider extending your house alarm to cover your shed if it contains items of value.

• Look at your external lighting, consider motion sensor lighting or dusk to dawn lighting. This is a good deterrent for criminals.

• If going on holidays, have a good neighbour look around your house regularly thereby creating ‘activity’. Use random light fittings inside your house when away.

• Remember a van or trailer is most likely required for the thefts and probably a number of persons needed to move the items quickly. Don’t forget a car may also be used by the thieves in convoy with the van.

• I would ask anyone who notices suspicious activity to contact Mullingar or Athlone Garda Stations. Put the garda station numbers into their phones for ease of access. We would be delighted to hear from you and will check on your concerns.

“If specific crime prevention advice is required by anyone, I can be contacted at 044 9384000 or the community policing units in Athlone or Mullingar will gladly help.”