Caherslee News 'Now Is Never Too Late For The Future'

SECURITY                                                       Personal, Home and Neighbourhood                                            The following information has been forwarded by:                                                                    An Garda Siochana                                               Crime Prevention Office - Community Relations                                                                              Tralee                                                                          www.garda.ie                                                                  Securing Your Home                                                                                                                                                       Lighting Criminals generally like to work under the cover of darkness, therefore good security lighting can be an excellent deterrent. This is especially relevant in urban areas where the likelihood of intruders being seen is greatly increased by the presence of adequate security lighting around the house. All external security lighting on your home should be downward facing and should illuminate the windows, doors and ant recessed areas which are likely to be targeted. Lights should be fitted to the front and rear of the house and should be located out of reach of easy attack without imposing on adjoining properties There are a number of means by which you can achieve this: 1.        Lighting activated by Passive Infrared Movement Detectors 2.        Timer Switches 3.        Dusk to Dawn Lighting (lights activated by Photo Electric Cell) In each case the particular design and layout of the house will dictate the type of lamp required. Effective external security lighting increases the offender's feeling of exposure and improves the chances of identification and detection. Security in Your Home With the advent of autumn/winter and the dark, dreary, wet and wild nights ahead it is necessary to start thinking of the precautions you will need to take to ensure your property and yourself are safe and secure. Make sure your outside light fittings are functioning correctly (ask a trusted neighbour or relative to check these if necessary). If you live alone, don’t open your door to strangers after a particular time at night. Have a spy hole fitted to your front door. If you have a patio door – lock it at a particular time, at night, the earlier the better. Don’t leave windows open when you are not at home. Access to the rear of your property should be made difficult – i.e. gate, fence and/or wall. Do not overload electric sockets. Always place a guard in front of an open fire when you are out of that room. Do not leave your car unlocked, even in your driveway. Report suspicious activity to the Gardai and to your neighbours – you will not be wasting their time – you will be preventing trouble for yourself and others. Check on elderly neighbours, who are living alone, regularly. If a relative or friend is calling to your home late at night insist that they ring you before hand – especially if you are living alone. These are just some of the things you may need to think about – if you haven’t done so already. Over Christmas and New Year  Holidays Secure your property if you are leaving it for any length of time. Invest in timer switches and vary the timer. Do not leave unnecessary appliances plugged in. Do not overload sockets. Always keep naked flames under guard. Do not leave fires unguarded. At night, do not leave keys where they can be easily taken by unwanted visitors. Tell a trusted friend or relative or neighbour to keep an eye on your property when you are away for long periods.