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EUCPN Domestic Burglary Focus Day - 18th June 2025

EU Focus Day - The Prevention of Domestic Burglary #StopDomesticBurglaries

The sixth edition of the EU Wide Focus Day on domestic burglary takes place today 18 June 2025.

An Garda Síochána is a member of the European Crime Prevention Network (EUCPN). Ireland is one of 22 European countries, united in the EUCPN and EMPACT, that has joined forces to launch this initiative.

These European countries aim to step up the fight against domestic burglary and provide information on how they can better protect their homes against this crime.

Property crime, and more specifically burglary, affects people living in many parts of Ireland and the EU. Burglary not only robs victims of their possessions – it can also rob people of their sense of security at home, a place where everyone should feel most safe, and can have lasting negative effects on individuals and communities. Luckily, burglaries are preventable and crime prevention steps do not have to be costly!

Research shows the effectiveness of improved window and door locks, external lights that pop on when their sensors observe movement, and internal lightning on a timer.

The prevention campaign to #StopDomesticBurglaries focuses on informing people that they can secure their home against burglary and that it does not have to be expensive. The use of the below is a very effective combination with which to prevent domestic burglaries:

  • strong door locks
  • external lightning on a sensor
  • strong window locks and
  • internal lightening on a timer

These measures increase the risk of an offender being caught and/or the effort that would be needed to enter a home successfully.

Speaking following the launch of the EU Wide Focus Day on Burglary, Crime Prevention Officer, Sergeant Susan Lawlor said:

“An Garda Síochána remains dedicated to tackling domestic burglaries. This EU Focus Day allows An Garda Síochána to highlight some practical steps that people can take to protect their homes, whether going out for a few hours, away for a few days or even while at home.”

Some steps that can be taken to protect your home are outlined below:

  • Turn on some lights - LED bulbs are more energy efficient than traditional bulbs.
  • Use timer switches / motion detectors / smart lights (turn on lights via phone or timer settings).
  • Use motion detector / sensor lights outside - make sure the lights emanating from them cover the door and not just the area near the door.
  • Lock all doors and windows as part of your regular routine - burglars can commonly target back doors, back windows and front windows, with numerous cases involving a burglar getting access through an unsecured door or window. 
  • Use an alarm – get it serviced and ensure battery pack is working.
  • Don’t keep large amounts of cash or valuables in the house.
  • Store keys away from windows, doors and letterboxes. The removes the opportunity for ‘fishing’ to take place - where keys are fished through a letterbox by burglars.
  • Record details of valuables (see the Garda Property App to make this easy).

If your home is going to be vacant during the summer period:

  • Ask a trusted friend, neighbour or family member to conduct frequent checks of the property at different times of the day to note any signs of trespassing or interference.
  • Ensure the house alarm is set.
  • Check all doors and windows are secure (use deadbolt locks if property is to be vacant for long periods).
  • Install timers on internal lights and motion detectors on external lights to make the house appear occupied and offer natural surveillance of the property.
  • Ensure that the building doesn't look neglected. Cut the grass, trim hedges etc.
  • Ask a trusted friend, neighbour or family member to collect post. If you are going to be away for longer periods, arrange a ‘mail minder’ service with An Post to retain post for collection and place a ‘No Junk Mail’ sign on letter-box.
  • Inform the local Garda station about the premises being vacant to afford passing attention on patrols.
  • Ask a trusted friend, neighbour or family member to park their vehicle in your driveway if you are away. 

If you are going on holiday and your home is going to be vacant, be mindful of what you post on social media. Even if you have enabled strict privacy settings, your holiday plans could be shared without your knowledge:

  • Don't post status updates about your holidays while you're still away.
  • Don't post pictures while you're away.
  • Respect other people’s privacy, don't tag others while you and they are on holidays.
  • Avoid posting upcoming travel plans.
  • Consider turning off the location sharing setting of your phone's camera app.

To find out who your local Crime Prevention Officer click here.

You can see how secure your home is by carrying out the Home Security Checklist Challenge available to download below:

Check list challenge English / Gaeilge

For more information on the focus day visit:

eucpn.org/focus-day

twitter.com/eucpn

facebook.com/eucpn

linkedin.com/company/eucpn