The next two months are the most lucrative for burglars according to research carried out by the Garda's National Crime Prevention Unit.

Gardaí have today advised householders to take steps to protect their property with the evenings getting longer as burglaries typically increase by 25 per cent during winter.

Burglaries typically rise by around a quarter in winter with the majority taking place between 5pm and 11pm with 20% of burglaries take place through an unsecured door or window.

While the rate of burglaries has reduced over the last year, An Garda Síochána is advising people to remain vigilant and security conscious in order to thwart burglars.

Sergeant Kelvin Courtney of the National Crime Prevention Unit said darker evenings and lax security can make it easier for burglars.

"The longer evenings can help burglars spot if people are not home. For instance, they can easily see if a house is empty if rooms are unlit, curtains are open, and there is no car in the driveway. It also makes it easier for them to enter a residence without being seen,” commented Sergeant Courtney. 

"We would urge the public to follow a number of basic steps to increase their home’s security.