Homeowners in the south east are urged to keep their guard up.
Burglary rates are down right across the region - but Phonewatch Ireland says this is a vulnerable time of year as people go on holidays.
Here in the south east there were 556 recorded burglary offences, down from 998 during the same period 12 months ago.
The most significant reduction in burglary offences was in Wexford, down from 376 offences to 172. While the smallest reduction was in Tipp down from 160 to 121.
The Phone watch report shows Crime Figures are down by 18 % from Last Year but they're warning homeowners are still making it easy for burglars by not taking simple precautions.
A recent survey of 1000 homeowners conducted by iReach on behalf of PhoneWatch showed that:
41% have left windows open when leaving the house
38% have left keys hidden in their gardens
AND 25% have left doors unlocked
The organisation is urging us to take adequate security measures before leaving our houses for lengthy periods of time.
Eoin Dunne managing director of PhoneWatch, “The summer is often a busy time for criminals as they know people are away on holidays and houses are therefore easier targets. With this in mind we recommend taking adequate security measures before you leave your house for lengthy periods of time. Homeowners need to stay alert when it comes to home security. Thieves are opportunists who will take advantage of lax security in a home”.
