By: William O’Toole
Residents in Rathdrum have again raised their concerns following two more burglaries in the town overnight.
It is understood that the two houses, both in the Corballis Drive housing estate, were targeted shortly after midnight.
In a separate incident, there was an attempt to steal a van from Parnell Park but the thief was startled and ran away from the scene.
Last nights burglaries come on the back of a recent rise in crime in the town.
Over the past few weeks there has been several reports of break-ins to houses and cars, as well as items being stolen from parked cars.
It is also understood that a member of the public last week foiled an attempt to steal a significant amount of heating oil from a local business.
One resident who spoke to wicklownews.net on the condition of anonymity said that such is the level of fear in the area, she now sleeps with her curtains open at night.
“People are now jumping up every time they hear a sound and it’s not a good way to live!
“Someone will end up getting hurt, they will wake up and find people in their home and try to defend it, it is only a matter of time before it happens.”
Gardai in Roundwood are also appealing for information following a break-in that occurred in broad daylight in the village on Tuesday afternoon.
It is understood that a group of men entered a house and carried out the robbery while the owners teenage daughter was in the house.
They stole a number of items before making their getaway in a silver coloured car.
Advice
Gardai are advising homeowners to be more vigilant, especially during spells of warm weather as people have a tendency to leave doors and windows open.
August is also the traditional holiday month in Ireland and this could lead to further burglaries as people head away on a well deserved break.
Advice for preventing thefts from vehicles :
1. Ensure your car is locked with all windows closed.
2. Remove any valuables and place in the boot before you set out to attend the ceremonies – better still remove items and leave at home if possible.
3. Thieves are targeting ladies handbags, cameras, binoculars & sat navs basically any item that can be quickly sold on.
4. Parked cars will be checked discreetly by the thieves who will steal items in unlocked cars.
5. Persons acting suspiciously i.e loitering in the area should be kept under observation and Gardai contacted.
General Mid Summer Advice – You can afford to lose nothing!
➢ Keep a sharp eye on strange vehicles in the vicinity of your home & elderly neighbours.
➢ Restrict access onto your property; maintain your boundary fences, hedges and walls.
➢ Install a monitored intruder alarm to your home and buildings that are vulnerable.
➢ Going on Holiday or Shopping – Ask at neighbour to look over your property away, (you can also return the favour).
Further Crime Prevention information – www.garda.ie
