With the arrival of the darker evenings the opportunity for burglars to act under the cover of darkness increases.  This should be a signal to us to increase our efforts to take measures to secure our homes and look out for each other in the community.

The Gardaí have produced a winter security infographic which is available on our website here.

Some of the key facts from this include:

1. In Winter burglaries increase by 25%
2. 40% of winter burglaries occur between 5pm and 11pm
3. 20% of burglaries – entry is gained through an unsecured door or window.
4. Jewellery and cash are the most common items stolen
5. Despite the warnings there were still over 200 cases last year where car keys were ‘fished’ out through letterboxes

So – what can we do to help ourselves?  top 5 tips from the Gardaí:

1. Secure all doors and windows
2. Light up your home with timer switches when out.
3. Store keys away from windows and letterboxes.
4. Don’t keep large amounts of cash at home.
5. Use your alarm – even when you are at home.

As always, if you see something suspicious contact the Gardaí in Blanchardstown on 01 6667000 and if you have questions or concerns please inform your neighbourhood watch street coordinator.

I would like to thank all those who contributed to the very successful golf and social evening in Westmanstown on September 18th.   In the end we had 33 playing golf and over 50 for the social part of the evening.     Particular thanks to the organizers and to those who generously sponsored prizes.      It is likely that we will look to do something again next year and we are very open to suggestions on how we can improve this for everyone.

On a more serious note I would like to add our expression of condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Garda Anthony Golden who lost his life so tragically in the last week as he looked to support members of his community.

Ar dheis láimh Dé go raibh a anam.