Almost €90 million worth of goods were stolen from Irish homes over the course of a year, it was revealed today.
The number of burglaries carried out nationwide between June 2006 and June 2007 increased by 17 per cent, according to an Eircom survey, while the value of items taken grew by 25 per cent.
The report also found householders were most likely to be targeted by thieves during the winter, with February the worst month, while Kildare tops the list of counties for the highest number of break-ins outside Dublin.
Eircom PhoneWatch Chief Executive Nick Quigley said: "In the seven years that we have presented the eircom PhoneWatch Burglary Report one facet remains constant — burglary as a crime in Ireland is not going away.
"This year, €86 million worth of goods was taken from Irish homes, with burglaries increasing 17 per cent nationwide.
"The one thing that every householder can do today is make small changes, whether it is introducing window locks or ensuring their backdoor is always locked, even when in the house," he said.
The survey was based on a sample of more than 15,505 household insurance claims in the 12 months between June 2006 and June 2007.
February is the worst month for burglaries with the number 36 per cent above the average for the year.
The report found detached and semi-detached homes were the most vulnerable, with thieves usually gaining entry via the back door.
To raise awareness of how to be more security conscious, Eircom has teamed up with Professor Ken Pease OBE, a highly respected forensic psychologist.
He claims that if your house has been burgled in the past, you are more likely to be targeted again.
"Research that investigates burglar behaviour has revealed 76 per cent said they had gone back to a number of homes where they were familiar with the features of the house.
"The reasons for going back for goods were things they left behind, replaced goods and unhidden cash," he said.
PA