Paddy Leonard, 24 May
Police in Derry City & Strabane are urging local business owners to
review their security measures to prevent burglaries.
The crime prevention appeal follows recent reports of attempted
burglary and burglary at city centre commercial premises.
“Money has been stolen and premises have been damaged causing, in some
cases, significant financial cost. Businesses are left counting the
cost, as well as having to deal with the sense of intrusion and fear
caused by this type of crime,” says Chief Inspector Yvonne McManus.
Police, alongside detectives from Strand Road Criminal Investigation
Division, are working to identify trends and patterns involved in these
reports to focus proactive work and direct patrols, and detect
offenders, as well as providing businesses with crime prevention
advice.
Crime Prevention Advice
Chief Inspector McManus says: “Our appeal to business owners is to take
the time to review security to protect your premises from criminals.
Don't make it easy for criminals to target your business. If there are
any gaps or vulnerabilities, address them immediately.
“Check CCTV and alarms are working, check locks are secure, post signs
on your premises that no cash is kept there overnight. Making this a
habit and taking the time to do this regularly makes it harder for
burglars by slowing them down, deterring and preventing them. All it
takes is a few minutes for a burglar to take advantage of an unlocked
door or window. With increasing costs and demands, the last thing any
business owner wants to have to deal with is the cost of a burglary.
“We also need businesses to report incidents of burglary or attempted
burglary. That way we can identify trends or hotspots and direct
resources accordingly.”
Appeal
Chief Inspector McManus has this appeal for the public.
“We’re urging anyone who sees any suspicious activity at unusual times,
for example during the night or in early hours of the morning, to
report it," says Chief Inspector McManus adding: "The quicker we hear
about something that just doesn’t seem right, the faster we can act. We
have caught burglars in the act because of information provided by the
public.
“Businesses that don’t operate over the weekend, or are based in an
industrial estate on the outskirts of towns or cities, can be more
vulnerable.
"Therefore, ensure you are making best use of alarm systems, CCTV and
other measures to secure your premises. We have lots of information on
our website (//bit.ly/3MiUKo) and crime prevention and neighbourhood
officers are available to provide further assistance by calling 101.”