Security challenges highlighted by new campaign

November 19, 20121056 Views

An Garda Siochana with support from the Dublin City Joint Policing Committee are advising homeowners on simple home security precautions. Through the City Council’s Community Development Network and the business community, the Home Safe campaign encourages neighbourhoods to be more vigilant to the threat of burglaries. Irish Building Magazine advises business to be equally vigilant and apply the relevant precautions to your business. This is a particularly active time for theft based crimes.

People may not be aware that most crimes happen because we have given a criminal an opportunity to act and that most burglaries happen between the hours of 4pm and 10pm.

These are just some examples of the messages carried in a new awareness campaign which Dublin City Joint Policing Committee are supporting to make homes and neighbourhoods safer.

The first of these campaigns is Home Safe Home whereby we are encouraging homeowners to play an active part in protecting their property thus providing greater peace of mind. Some simple tips may go a long way to achieving these goals:

Always keep car keys out of sight and away from the front door
Never leave door keys hidden outside
If you are on holidays ask a neighbour to park in your driveway

Assistant Commissioner John Twomey says “analysis of crime trends over the last number of years has identified that traditionally there is an increase in the number of burglaries at this time of the year. Operation Acer is a targeted and coordinated initiative to prevent and detect burglaries in Dublin. Since the commencement of the Garda Operation in April of this year with the help of the community 588 proceedings have commenced. Today we are now looking for you the community to continue to work with An Garda Síochána by protecting your home, looking after your neighbour and report any suspicious behaviour to An Garda Síochána”.

Cllr. Gerry Breen, Chairperson of Dublin City Joint Policing Committee says “The Dublin City Joint Policing Committee is a forum which consists of Public Representatives, Senior Garda Management, Senior Local Authority Officials and representatives from the community and business sector. This committee will over the coming months work on the development of greater public awareness on policing and safety issues that are impacting on the quality of life in Dublin City. The first issue in the awareness campaign is focussed on the prevention of burglaries in the home and I am seeking the support of all citizens, public representatives, public agencies and the business sector on this very important awareness campaign over the coming months”.

Brendan Kenny, Assistant City Manager says”An Garda Síochana on their own cannot fully deal with policing and safety issues in the city. Many of these issues require an integrated agency response as well as strong support and co-operation from the general public and the business sector. There is also a requirement for ongoing awareness for the general public and the often practical measures that can assist the Garda Síochana and help in the prevention of crime such as burglaries in the home. Dublin City Council is glad to be involved and keen to support this important initiative around safety in the home”.

To view the Home Safe Home leaflet see:http://www.dublincity.ie/Press/Documents/Home_Safe_Home.pdf