Editorial: 'Light up, lock up' the right message as Operation Thor targets winter burglars
Gardaí are urging people to 'light up, lock up' as part of their annual Operation Thor campaign to prevent burglars from exploiting the reduced hours of daylight
It’s coming into that time of year again – the temperatures are dropping, the mornings are darker, and the evenings are closing in.
The colder and wetter weather means an influx of house spiders into homes seeking shelter, but there is other unwanted visitors who may be trying to gain access for far more nefarious purposes.
At this time of year, the number of burglaries usually increases substantially as criminals target homes in search of goods, jewllery and cash.
The problem is that many of us are making it just too easy for burglars. In a surprising amount of such incidents, entry is gained to a home or vehicle simply because doors have been left unlocked or windows left open.
In many cases, burglars can be deterred by taking some very basic preventative measures. That’s why at this time of year, gardaí launch their Operation Thor.
The campaign is an annual increased enforcement operation aimed at preventing burglars from exploiting the reduced hours of daylight. Data from the last three winter phases of Operation Thor shows that around four in every five residential burglaries occur during twilight and night-time hours (4pm to 8am).
That’s why gardaí are urging the simple message of ‘light up, lock up’. Simply making sure a house is well lit, and locking up gates and doors will make it that much more difficult for burglars to strike.
As Crime Prevention Officer (and former Kilkenny hurling great) Eddie Brennan says the impact can go far beyond the loss of property and for many victims, the sense of intrusion can stay with them for a very long time. Some people never fully get over it.
He is also advising people not to keep large amounts of cash in the home.
SMISHING
One case before the courts last week involved a ‘money mule’ and a woman scammed out of €5,000 by clicking a link she thought was from her bank.
It’s a reminder to be careful when engaging with any messages or emails purporting to be from financial institutions.