Galway gardai issue six point warning to every household
All local stations are coming together to issue the same alert
Galway gardai have issued a six point warning to all homeowners ahead of the shorter nights.
Officers are encouraging each household to review their home security regularly whether you are at home or going out.
They are reminding people to notify gardai if your home is going to be vacant and to report any suspicious activity in your area to local stations.
The six point alerts people to: Lock all doors and windows; Use an alarm even when you are in the house; Store keys away from windows and letterboxes; Don't keep large amounts of cash or jewellery in the house; Ensure that the exterior of your home is well lit up; Do not post to social media about any upcoming holidays/trips.
It follows several reported incidents around Galway with local neighbourhood watch reports saying that a black UK registered car had been seen acting suspiciously in the areas of Claregalway, Corrandulla and Balrobuck near Annaghdown.
Surrounding Galway communities have been alerted and gardai made aware too after a spate of other suspicious incidents nearby could be linked
A number of residents in Claregalway estates have noticed unusual late night activity on ring doorbells and home security cameras.
They say that on several occasions, individuals have been seen walking through estates after midnight, taking pictures of and examining houses in the area up close.
Claregalway Neighbourhood Watch has said that most of the footage has been saved and forwarded to gardai and while nothing sinister has happened, it is still a cause for concern.
A spokesperson for the Neighbourhood Watch said: “Given the late-night occurrences, we thought it was worth making others in the wider community aware.
“Gardai have also been made aware as a precaution, so that the activity is on their radar should anything further arise.
“Just a reminder to remain vigilant, make sure your cameras and security systems are working properly, and save any relevant footage rather than allowing it to be automatically overwritten, particularly if you notice unusual or repeated activity around your property or estate.
“Hopefully it amounts to nothing, but no harm in neighbours looking out for one another and keeping an eye on things.”