According to latest figures from the Garda Analysis Service, over €1.8 million worth of property was stolen from sheds, garages and gardens in summer burglaries and thefts in the last 12 months.

A higher proportion of burglaries, thefts, and theft of a pedal cycle from sheds/garages and gardens occurred in the summer than in the winter.

Tools, gardening equipment and bicycles made up the majority of the value of property stolen, accounting for approximately €1.4 million.

The increase in theft of pedal cycles from gardens in the summer versus the winter, up 74%, is much greater than the increase of theft of pedal cycles from sheds/garages, up 27%.

Burglaries and thefts from sheds/garages and gardens increased by one third in the summer, up 33%, despite residential burglaries generally decreasing in this time.

Almost one in four burglaries last summer involved entry through an unsecured door or window, while summer residential burglaries are more likely to occur in the afternoon.

It was found the busiest time period in summer for incidents was early in the day between 11am and 5pm. Winter burglaries were more likely to occur in the evenings.

Other busy periods for incidents were between 1am and 5am as well as in the evenings from 5pm to 9pm in summer.

What is stolen in residential burglaries?
• Jewellery and cash are the objects stolen which amount to the highest value. (€4.5m)
• There were more burglaries where electronic/office equipment (+13%), tools (+29%) or bicycles (+65%) were stolen in the summer than in the winter.
• The majority of the value of electronic/office equipment stolen in the summer was laptop/handheld computers (76%; €516,859) and mobile phones (14%; €95,605).
The figures were released today at the launch of the Garda Summertime Safety Campaign which will also provide safety advice locally.

The campaign seeks to improve home and personal security through sharing of simple but effective crime prevention advice throughout the summer.

The initial focus of the campaign will be on domestic burglary prevention and in particular shed, garage and garden security where thefts and burglaries from these locations increase by a third in summer months.

Sergeant Kelvin Courtney of the National Crime Prevention Unit said:

“Summertime offers plenty of opportunities to burglars. Sheds left open and bicycles left unsecured in gardens are easy targets for the burglar. Remind children to lock their bicycles when not in use. Secure tools, ladders and other valuable equipment in sheds or garages; with quality chains and locks as an extra deterrent.

“Additional security on the outside shed or garage door will delay and hopefully deter the burglar. Remember to lock sheds, garages and house doors and windows. Unfortunately, our bad habits allow the burglar to enter our property too easily. One in four burglars enter through an open door or window in the summer, so lock up and light up.”

Speaking from the Garda Stand at the Bloom in the Park Festival, Sergeant Courtney also encouraged homeowners to keep their gardens tidy this summer.

“An untidy lawn gives the impression of a vacant home which is more likely to be targeted by burglars. Overgrown hedges or bushes can provide cover for intruders. Ladders and tools left unsecured are often used by burglars to gain entry to homes.

“Consider defensive planting, for example, thorny plants around the perimeter adds extra security. A barrier of prickly hedge along your boundary or underneath a window will help deter thieves. Hedges and shrubs in the front garden should be kept to a height of no more than 3 feet in order to avoid giving a burglar a screen behind which they can conceal themselves.”

Sergeant Kelvin Courtney launching the Summertime Safety Campaign, advising homeowners about defensive planting and protecting your property during the summer. #SummertimeSafety pic.twitter.com/BPSrMB7sgZ

— Garda Info (@gardainfo) May 31, 2018