Westmeath has recorded an 18 per cent decrease in the incidence of burglary, according to the 2010 eircom PhoneWatch Burglary Report. The report, which tracked burglaries between June 2009 and June 2010, also revealed that April and May were the most targeted months for burglaries in Westmeath.
Of Ireland’s 26 counties, Westmeath ranks number 13 for burglaries, just ahead of neighbouring county Offaly at 15. Meanwhile Meath ranks second only to Dublin for levels of burglaries, while Longford ranks 20th and Roscommon 22nd.
According to figures published as part of the tenth annual eircom PhoneWatch Burglary Report, a staggering €700 million has been taken from Irish homes nationwide over the past 10 years. The 2010 report also indicates that burglaries in Ireland have increased by 8 per cent in the 12 months between June 2009 and June 2010.
The report found that for the first time in a decade the most common method of entry for burglars is via the front door (28 per cent of all burglaries ). In addition, an alarming 85 per cent of all burglaries now take place while people are at home - up from 80 per cent in 2009. The findings indicate that burglars are becoming increasingly opportunistic, and that individuals are not adequately securing their property while they are in the home.
Worryingly, the 2010 report also revealed that burglars no longer strike under the cover of darkness. For the fourth year in a row, the most likely time of day to be burgled is between 12pm and 4pm (31 per cent ).
Dublin continues to top Ireland’s burglary table, accounting for 39 per cent of burglaries nationwide. Overall the number of burglaries outside of Dublin has fallen, with statistics indicating a 1.5 per cent decrease year on year.
To view burglary statistics for your area or to access easy to introduce home security tips visit www.burglaryreport.ie or call eircom PhoneWatch staff on 1850 500 900.
