Inishowen homeowners urged to review security after 16 burglaries in seven weeks

Homeowners have been advised by gardaí to review their security in the aftermath of a sharp increase in the number of reported residential burglaries.

Gardaí say that since the beginning of November there has been a marked increase in reported burglaries in the county with a particular emphasis in the Inishowen peninsula.

Sergeant Paul Wallace, the divisional crime prevention officer based at Letterkenny Garda station said: “Over the past few weeks since the beginning of November we have had sixteen  Residential burglaries reported in the Muff, Burnfoot, Moville and Greencastle areas. Homes have been targeted with an increased number in recent nights but also outhouses, garages and sheds with valuable tools and garden equipment stolen.”

Gardaí issue warning over false reports linking van to Inishowen burglaries

The driver of the van has been in the Inishowen area recently conducting genuine meter readings, gardaí have said

He warned that the criminals are mobile and may strike in any area.

Residents in Inishowen  and across the county are being urged to take a series of steps including to secure garages and outbuildings with proper locking mechanism; review perimeter lighting and upgrade where necessary; check on older neighbours and persons residing alone, be vigilant for cars and vans movements in rural areas particularly during hours of darkness and to report suspicious activity.

Gardaí also have been alerted to the theft of livestock in particular sheep in the Dunlewey and Fanad areas. Farmers and residents in rural communities are asked to become more vigilant for the movement of vans, which would be categorised as strange or not from the area. 

Registration numbers, colour and if possible the make of suspicious vehicles should be forwarded to local district headquarters stations which are open on a 24/7 basis should be contacted so that this information can be considered for further dissemination amongst the community via the community text alert scheme which are in operation in conjunction with community alert in various areas throughout the county.

The  district headquarters and 24/7 service Garda stations are: Letterkenny (91-67100), Buncrana (93-20540), Milford (91-53060) and  Ballyshannon (071-98-51102).