Feeling safe in your own home is important and especially so in winter, when the evenings turn dark and burglars are rampant in the run up to the Christmas season.

It is vital to be aware when it comes to home security and to deter criminals from trespassing and theft. An Garda Síochána’s National Crime Prevention Officer Alan Roughneen is on hand to offer some sound advice to Her.ie readers.

Think of Yourself as a Burglar

The Gardaí recommend that house owners go outside their homes and pretend to be a thief intent on gaining entry.

Sergeant Roughneen said: “The first thing we’d say is to walk around the house and imagine that you now have to get inside. That should give you an idea about how hard it is to actually get in.

"Ask yourself if you were a burglar could you climb up a dustbin or use a ladder that’s hanging around the back garden, could you force a window open?”

The Gardaí have come up with a Checklist Challenge which is available on their website that will allow you to objectively look at your house as a burglary target.

Don’t Make Your Home a Welcome Place For Burglars

An Garda Síochana recommend that house owners to make their home visible to their neighbours to make it more difficult for burglars to get in without being seen.

Sergeant Roughneen recommends that house owners increase natural surveillance.

“Cut the hedges around your house and make it visible from the front so people can be seen if they are trying to break in.

"Secondly we’d ask people to use gravel on the driveway. If they are heard going in it can make it more difficult for them.

“Remove all things that could be used to break in, for example garden instruments, shovels and brushes.

“The Gardai would stress the importance of a house alarm. It’s a deterrent.”

Garda Síochána recommend that you stay vigilant for burglars

Don’t Confront The Thieves

If you hear burglars or a trespasser in your home, it is not wise to confront them in case they are armed. Sergeant Roughneen said that it is important to avoid confrontation unless absolutely necessary.

“The most important thing at all times is your own safety and your family’s safety. Remember that property can often be replaced. Avoid any confrontation with the person.

“If you do have to confront them in some way, remain calm and focus on getting a detailed description of the person.

“We’d never recommend that you physically engage them. We would always recommend a telephone in the bedroom and keep the number of the local Garda station at hand.

Be Wary of Stolen Goods Being Sold Online or In Your Locality

Burglars very often try and flog stolen items to others through online sites and other means but it is important to be aware that you could be purchasing from an illegitimate source.

“We’d always advise people who are buying anything on the internet to be wary because they can be illegitimate sellers. Christmas or any other time of the year people should be vigilant that the items they may be buying may be stolen property.”

Stay in Touch With The Gardaí

Every area has a Crime Prevention Officer and if you have any questions about security or any other issues do not hesitate to contact yours. The details can be found on www.garda.ie