House breakin via front window

M

MarySmyth

Guest
Cousin had a breakin this morning 430am by 2 youths via front window, Reported to Gardaí and they called at 530am. She rang later to station and they said that 'fingerprint' team were busy and would call after 12. Is this typical? As they did not call all day
 
The Gardai have to prioritise their work and it's unpredictable.

If there were more serious crimes, the Gardai would have been diverted to them ahead of you.

Brendan
 
Hello,

I think it fair to say that with limited Gardai resources, we must all accept that they are forced to prioritise their work and yet, when we are the victums of a crime or require assistance we expect them to help us first.

Just thinking, if there were some form of volunteers (or even specially approved private companies) who provided some of the supporting services such as taking finger prints, helping to secure properties after break ins etc. wouldn't that be of help to us all ? :)

Likewise, if our Gardai were not caught up in giving out tickets for breaking traffic lights, speeding etc - all services which an alternative (non Garda) type service could provide imho. Perhaps a variation of Yellow Caps should be developed to deal with "minor" offenses and support services ... hence freeing the Gardai up for more serious crime ?

Obviously, I know these services would have to be funded, but perhaps people would be willing to contribute towards their cost by way of donations or volunteer service - perhaps retired Gardai or FCA etc ?

Regards

Mr. Earl.
 
Maybe if we opened more prisons and re-educated people who ended up there for a start , Then judges would be able to hand out custodial sentences instead of letting people with multiple previous convictions for burglary back on to the streets, The last report I read in the local paper was about a guy who had 57 previous convictions and he was given a suspended sentence, No deterrent for him and no incentive for the gardai involved, Sorry about your cousins predicament Mary.
 
Breakin

Thank you all very much for comments- yes full agree about Garda resource issue and due credit to all Gardaí. But just looking for practical tips/ comments/ suggestions for cousin- she in wheelchair.

Ground floor apartment in multi unit complex. Own front gate/ garden. Back garden fully secure with high fence, etc

Any advice- should she get a camera? alarm?
 
Did they break or remove the window, older pvc windows were often glazed from the outside which meant removal of the strip around the glass allowed the entire pane to be removed in one unbroken piece, if this is how they got access then I would change the windows to the type that glaze from inside the property.
 
MarySmyth said:
Any advice- should she get a camera? alarm?
Click to expand...

I think she should definitely get an alarm. After a break-in people often feel vulnerable in their own homes so it will give her great peace of mind that she won't have to listen out for every tiny sound as she'll know a honking great alarm will go off if anybody attempts entry. She can turn it on before she goes to bed at night and then she'll be able to sleep easy. She can also turn it on any time she is home alone, as well as when she goes out.

I also believe a visible (real) alarm box puts off burglars as they will always go for the easier option (unless you leave your diamond jewellery in plain view on the windowsill or something).
 
What a rotten thing to happen. I would say an alarm is a good idea. I don't know anything re cameras. Not sure of the ins and outs of this, but an aunt of mine has an alarm that she can activate to alert specified people, I think it's part of a neighbourhood watch scheme. I can find out a bit more, if you think it would be of any use. Hope the lady in question is okay, it must be very upsetting for her.
 
Hello,

May I suggest in addition to an alarm system, that a "panic button" also be obtained - I think most modern alarm companies, particularly those offering monitored alarm systems now offer them... might also give extra comfort (although I do respect they cost money, but perhaps there is some form of grant available towards the cost ?).

Also, depending on the practical side of things, a dog would be ideal .. both as a companion and also, to scare off any would be burglar when they hear the dog barking.
 
Further break-in today

Same lady had a further breakin today - imagine! and guess what- she foolishly had a substantial amount of money- and yes they found it- they are experts at their game.

Strange 2 breakins in so many days-

Obviously, she is distraught- all her belongings gone through- even the freezer!

Entryt this time via bottom panel of back door
 
MarySmyth said:
Same lady had a further breakin today - imagine! and guess what- she foolishly had a substantial amount of money- and yes they found it- they are experts at their game.

Strange 2 breakins in so many days-

Obviously, she is distraught- all her belongings gone through- even the freezer!

Entryt this time via bottom panel of back door
Click to expand...

Awful news, she must be very upset. Definitely get a monitored alarm, with panic button as suggested above, installed immediately. I think it's better for her to stay in the apartment (it will be more difficult to go back after a period away than to stay put now) but she should not stay on her own until after the monitored alarm is installed and she is completely comfortable with the operation of it.

Incidentally, if she is in a wheelchair there may be funding available from somewhere to help her with the expense of this, especially a panic button.
 
I went through the process of getting one for my mother last year. I found it very difficult to get information as the availability of the service differs from area to area. Any of the companies who provide them should be able to advise as to getting a grant. The cost was much the same for the few companies I checked with and it wasn't too expensive for the 24/7 service.

Community organisations used to be funded to provide them however that has been cut. I discovered that the units they did provide were not being returned in a lot of cases when the user went to hospital/nursing home or became deceased.

I found this Assist Ireland site very useful for a lot of things.

Regard

http://www.assistireland.ie/eng/Information/Information_Sheets/Choosing_a_Personal_Alarm_System.html
 
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