People should follow the “simple” ways of preventing burglaries in their homes, a crime prevention officer has warned.  

CSO figures show a 10% rise in burglaries in 2022 compared to the previous year. 

People have been warned to look out for “daylight” robbery over the next few months, as Gardaí said burglaries begin to happen between 10am and 2pm as we head into the summer. 

Crime Prevention Officer for Laois/Offaly Sergeant Graham Kavanagh told Newstalk people should follow the “simple things you can do to reduce the opportunity for criminals”. 

Sgt Kavanagh said people should ensure that windows and doors are locked. 

“Even when you’re at home, but particularly when you’re going out,” he said.  

“Sometimes what we see is people tipping out for 15 or 20 minutes, and that’s when [burglars are] targeting.” 

Sgt Kavanagh said houses should be well-lit: “If you are going out for the evening, even in the summer, making the place looks like it’s occupied is a huge thing.” 

“We saw that in evidence during the pandemic – houses were occupied, loads of people were at home and that’s why we saw burglaries drop.”