Mayo businesses urged to be on alert for Halloween criminals

Businesses in Mayo are being urged to be extra vigilant about security this Halloween as the celebration comes the day after the bank holiday weekend - which means that premises will be unoccupied longer than in recent years in the lead up to October 31.

The warning comes from security specialists Netwatch who saw a 34% increase in activity nationally on client sites between noon and 6 p.m. last October.

Gardaí in Mayo recently issued an appeal for witnesses following a spake of break-ins to private dwellings.

There have been a number of other burglaries in the Ballyhaunis areas since the appeal was issued.

Colin Hayes, Netwatch managing director for Ireland and UK, said: “Because it is Halloween season at the end of October this timing pattern is different to the norm when we mainly see incidents happening late at night or early morning."

Warehouses, construction sites, yards and unoccupied premises are particularly vulnerable, according to Netwatch.

A recent Netwatch survey carried out by Amárach Research found that 52% of business owners worry about the security of their premises when their premises are unoccupied.

The same survey found that 59% of those surveyed in Ulster/Connacht had experienced some form of criminal activity in the past three years.

Mr Hayes said: “We know that Halloween can lead to potential pilfering of stock, damage to buildings or even injury to trespassers. This in turn gives rise to increasing insurance costs and other unwanted headaches.

“While the majority of incidents are minor, there are often serious incidents at Halloween which result in severe damage to businesses.

"We are urging all business owners to review their safety provision and ensure that all loose materials are secured prior to and during the Halloween period.

"A well-lit, secured area with no visible targets will deter most Halloween criminals.”