Light up, lock up is the advice heading into burglary season

MAKING sure a light is on at home from 5pm each evening during the winter is an important tip from the Galway Crime Prevention Officer to ward against potential burglars.

The Winter Phase of Operation Thor for 2026-2027 was launched by An Garda Síochána on October 1. Figures from the last three Winter Phases determine that four in every five (78 per cent) of residential burglaries happen from 4pm to 8pm.

The anti-burglary message from Gardaí coming into the winter is for members of the public to ‘Lock Up and Light Up’ their properties.

Sergeant Olivia Fleming, the Galway Crime Prevention Officer, has said that closing gates; locking all doors, windows and outhouses with good quality locks; not keeping large amounts of cash in the house; using an alarm or video doorbell; as well as having a light come on in the house from 5pm, are all measures people can take to protect their home in the winter.

“By leaving on a light or bringing one on with a timer switch after 5pm, creates the impression somebody is at home,” offered Sgt Fleming.

“Lock Up is an obvious crime prevention measure. Ensure all doors and windows have a good standard locking mechanism.

Keep valuables secure

“Sheds and outhouses should also remain locked up, as should any valuable machinery or tools within. While a good quality padlock is recommended on the door, consider chaining together or anchoring down items such as lawnmowers, bicycles, boat engines and any other items that may not be in use over the winter.

“Security is all about layers, and the first physical layer of security is your boundary wall, fence and gate. Keeping gates closed is a great deterrent as you’re laying out your patch, marking your territory and anyone crossing that line uninvited or unauthorised is trespassing.

“So, if you have entrance gates onto your property, my advice is to get into setting the good habit of keeping them closed. Good lighting outside your property and a house alarm also act as a good deterrent. Video doorbells are popular and are a cost-effective security measure.”

Statistics show that while burglaries are still an obvious concern, their numbers have reduced in recent years. Operation Thor was set up in 2015 and in the years since the level of recorded burglaries has decreased nationwide by 72 per cent.

However, the main point of entry into a property for a burglary remains the front or back door.

Fall in burglary incidents

“During the last three Winter Phases of Operation Thor, figures show that around one in every four (23.9 per cent) residential burglaries, entry was gained through an unsecured door,” said Sgt Fleming.

“Burglary is a particularly insidious crime because it strikes at the place where people should be safest – their own home. The impact can go far beyond the loss of property and for many victims, the sense of intrusion can stay with them for a very long time. Some never fully get over the experience.”

Most burglars are looking for cash and jewellery. The Garda Property App is a useful and free tool that allows people to index and record personal items. Gardaí also advise people to keep pictures of their property, particularly items of sentimental value, as well.

Members of the public are advised to contact 999 or 112 if they wish to report a burglary or suspicious activity in their area.