It was heartening, and in truth a little surprising, to note this week that the incidence of burglaries in Westmeath has decreased over the past year.
According to the annual eircom PhoneWatch Burglary Report, Westmeath recorded a 12.8 per cent decrease in the level of burglaries in the past year, while nationwide there was a decrease of 12.6 per cent in the total number of burglaries, compared to the same 12-month period last year.
Burglaries in Westmeath represented just 3.4 per cent of burglaries in the counties outside Dublin - perhaps a sign of an increase in home security measures in the county, suggests the report.
The findings offer a glimmer of hope in the face of what can at times feel like a constant stream of news of burglaries. Rarely a week goes by without Gardai in Athlone or Mullingar reporting a break-in to a business premises, a home burglary, or car theft.
Just two weeks ago, the home of a town and county councillor, Cllr Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, was targeted by thieves, who ransacked the house, stole a sum of money, and caused thousands of euros worth of damage. The councillor has since vowed to mount a campaign to stamp out burglaries and promote home security, with particular emphasis on those living on their own or in rural areas.
While the report suggests that things are improving in Westmeath and that the majority of the population (almost 80 per cent ) are now taking measures to secure their home and its contents, it also found that more than three-quarters of the Irish population feel that they are more at risk from theft in recessionary times.
And when we consider that approximately €72 million worth of goods were stolen from Irish residential households in the period July 2008 to June 2009, and that retail businesses in Ireland lose up to 25 per cent of all retail profit each year as a result of criminal activity, it is clear that home and business security should still be a primary concern.
Businesses are beginning to take a more proactive approach to security. A retail security workshop to take place in Athlone on November 16, when Garda crime prevention officers will be on hand to offer advice on how retailers can protect their premises and goods in the run up to Christmas, is just one example of what can be done.
It is necessary for all of us to be vigilant, particularly in the run-up to Christmas, when evenings are dark, extra money and gifts may be stored in homes, businesses are busier than ever, and desperation may tempt more people into crime.
Ensure your home or business has a working alarm installed, and that the premises are well lit. Ensure that valuable items or cash cannot be seen through windows, and that all doors and windows have strong locks.
Neighbours should watch out for each other’s properties, and in particular keep an eye on anyone living alone or elderly people living in their community.
Let’s keep the rate of burglaries going in the right direction!
