Police are urging business owners to review their security measures in response to an increase in non-residential break-ins and thefts over the past two weeks.
As of 31 March, there have been 290 incidents of non-residential serious criminal trespass since the enforcement of business and venue closures on 16 March. This is an increase of 26 per cent (82 more offences), as compared to 208 incidents in the first two weeks of March.
Incidents of residential serious criminal trespass decreased by 7 percent during the period 16 to 30 March (294 incidents as compared to 317 in the period 1 to 15 March).
Extra police resources are being deployed to tackle the recent spate of non-residential incidents, as part of Operation Hurricane 2. The operation was launched on 10 March to tackle recent crime clusters across the State, including break-ins, robberies, motor vehicle crime, thefts and stolen goods.
With the recent increase in break-ins and thefts at business premises, police are reminding business owners to employ the following precautions:
- All doors should be of solid construction, properly installed with all external doors and windows fully secured with quality and regularly maintained locks. If padlocks are required, ensure that they are of an appropriate and recommended standard
- Advertising material, posters and curtains should be kept at a minimum to provide a clear view of the premises from both within and outside
- Ensure safes are securely fixed to a floor, wall or similar solid object
