THE latest crime figures published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that burglary and related offences dropped from 233 offences in the final quarter of 2019 to 121 offences in the final quarter of 2020, representing a decrease of 48 pr cent.
However, damage to property rose from 269 to 281 offences over the same three-month period, an increase of 4.46 per cent.
The Covid pandemic has had a big influence on crime over the last twelve months, according to John Delaney, Technology Director with GGL Security, who oversees the company’s electronic security systems including intruder alarms and CCTV systems from their Alarm Monitoring Centre in Limerick City.
“GGL has seen these dramatic changes first hand and we have had to respond accordingly,” he explained.
“Burglaries reduced dramatically due to people being in their homes more, from working remotely to not going on holidays or weekends away.
“However there was a rise in damage to property. Whether it is due to properties being closed or operating on skeleton staff, they would appear to be more at risk now.
“Security measures including monitored alarms with alarm response CCTV and audio responders all help mitigate against risk of intrusion and theft.
“We also see non-essential retail for example taking extra steps to ensure their properties are regularly inspected for things like water damage or anything else that might go unnoticed when the business is closed.”
For more information on GGL security services, call 061 319077, email [email protected] or visit www.ggl.ie
