Garda Confidential No: 1 800 666 111

Community Garda Peter Queally aired some timely advice on the Saturday garda report on Community Radio Youghal. The garda said he had accessed information from the garda website that he felt merited imparting to listeners, especially with the Christmas holiday season imminent. By Christy Parker

Garda Queally provided the guidelines under various heading as follows:

How to prevent being burgled:

* Keep suitcases and bags in attic or with handles tied together as thieves will use them to transport items from your house.
* Keep windows and doors shut and locked even when at home; a thief will burgle property even when someone inside, e.g. when they see bathroom light go on.
* Use an alarm if possible, even if leaving house for a short time.
* Chain wheelie bin to a fence away from house as a burglar will stand on it to gain entry. “It happens regularly,” said the garda.
* Join local neighbourhood watch/community alert group. Garda Queally added that part of his remit is to start up neighbourhood watch schemes and he would be more than willing to help anyone who wishes to do so with information and other assistance.
* Secure front door and ensure windows have window locks.
* Fix broken garden gates.
* Put wire basket on inside of window box as it prevent burglars from fishing keys through letter box

Pointers on going away for Christmas holidays:

* Make your home look as though someone is living there; cancel newspaper, milk deliveries etc.
* Trusted neighbours may help you by collecting post and opening/closing curtains, turning on lights etc.
* Ask them to park their car in your driveway.
* Avoid discussing holiday plans where strangers might hear details.
* Leave important documents and other valuable items with a family member, a bank or locked in a safe.
* Do not put your home address on your luggage when travelling abroad; your work address will suffice, where applicable. Address can be noted at airport, etc.
* Make sure all doors and windows are locked and set alarm if you have one.

Precautions when at home over Christmas:

* Put Christmas presents under tree early on Christmas morning or keep tree out of view from window.
* Lock and bolt doors and windows.
* If expecting a parcel delivery, make sure someone is home to receive it or have a neighbour do so.
* Keep keys, mobile phones and other valuable items locked away out of site.
* Never leave keys in door or within sight from windows or doors.
* Once you’ve opened gifts, don’t leave boxes on view outside to advertise your good fortune to criminals.

Avoid being a victim when out shopping:

* Take extra care to conceal our pin number when using a cash point or check-out; never let anyone see your pin number and never write it down.
* If you carry a handbag keep your purse at the bottom or even on your person. “Avoid leaving handbags or purses on top of a trolley or in front compartment. It only takes a second to have it stolen, warned the garda.
* Never leave wallet in back pocket and keep handbag zipped at all times.
* Stay alert when using your mobile phone. It’s very easy for someone to snatch it out of your hand.
* Always put shopping parcels in boot of car and lock it.
* Don’t leave any valuables on seat of car as they attract thieves and as well as losing your valuable you have a broken window to replace too.
* Keep car door locked even when travelling.
* Don’t leave your house keys in your car.
* Secure your Sat-nav and hide it when not in use; don’t preset your exact home address into it.

Underage drinking:

Garda Queally said he had visited Youghal’s off licences in recent weeks to address this issue. “It’s still a very big problem and moreso as false IDs can be acquired on the internet,” he noted. He then stressed that it is illegal to buy alcohol if under 18 or for supply to someone under 18. “We will be trying to detect this increasingly in coming weeks,” he attested. The garda asked that parents discuss drinking issues with their children and advised also that, “they see you as a role model so try to set a good example on how to use or not use alcohol.”

Addressing festive celebrations, the following guidelines were offered:

* Everyone is responsible for safety, whether having a house party, office party or similar.
* Serve alcohol responsibly and don’t sere it to people already drunk.
* Don’t serve alcohol to people under 18.
* Have low or non-alcohol alternatives available.
* Serve food that is tasty and filling.
* Promote safe transport options for your guests, including calling taxis and having bus timetables available.

Staying safe on a night out:

* Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be home.
* Carry our mobile phone with you and make sure it is charged.
* If one of your group has had too much to drink, ensure they get home safely.
* Watch out for one another.
* Plan your trip home in advance, e.g. arrange a lift.
* Never drink and drive.
* If you’re a designated driver, park in a well-lit area and don’t leave property visible inside.
* If you see someone in trouble, call 999 or your local garda station.

For further information/guidelines see:  http://www.garda.ie/