LIMERICK householders discovered to their grief that even things that are tied down are not theft-proof.
Even having cash and valuables stashed in a safe wasn’t good enough, one Limerick woman recently discovered to her horror.
Sergeant Ber Leetch, Crime Prevention Officer at Henry Street Garda Station, advised that “a safe is only good if it is secured to a solid wall or floor”.
Sergeant Leetch explained a recent incident involving a young business owner, who lives in Gouldavoher, who presumed her safe secure having bolted it to the inside of her wardrobe.
“She was bringing cash home from her business and thought it was safe. Her home was unoccupied overnight on Friday December 22 and, when she returned the following day, she found her safe in the back garden and a considerable amount of cash gone. Criminals had broken in and found the safe, it was easy for them to pull it off the wood of the wardrobe.”
Meanwhile, in the first of two burglaries on Ashbourne Avenue in recent weeks, a ‘bad Santa’ stole Christmas presents and electrical goods.
Sergeant Leetch said that both burglaries appear to be similar in that the suspect got in through a front unsecured window.
In the first incident, two laptops were stolen, an iPad, and some Christmas presents. In the second burglary, €800 worth of electronic music equipment was stolen, including a microphone, an amp, extension leads, and a projector. Alcohol and a purse containing €60 cash were also taken.
“Criminals do target certain areas and try car doors and house windows and doors for an easy way in. Do not give them the opportunity, ensure your home and car are well secured, repair any faulty lock as soon as possible and keep anything of value out of sight,” Sergeant Leetch said.
