Practical, affordable upgrades — from a €10 door bar to the most powerful security tool of all: your neighbours.
Most burglaries in Ireland are opportunistic. The average opportunist spends under 60 seconds deciding whether to target a property. That means relatively small deterrents — visible lights, a secure gate, an alert neighbour — have an outsized impact.
Light up your perimeter
Motion-activated lights are one of the highest-ROI security investments. A €40 solar-powered PIR light on your driveway is more deterrent than most alarm systems.
Secure sliding doors
Patio and sliding doors are Ireland's most common forced entry point. A €10 security bar or dowel in the track prevents the door being forced open even if the lock is defeated.
Don't advertise an empty house
Uncollected post, bins left out after collection day, and darkened windows for extended periods are reliable indicators of absence. Use a smart plug to automate lights when travelling.
Upgrade to a Grade 2 lock
Standard Yale-type latches are opened with a credit card in under 10 seconds. An Irish Standard (IS EN 1303) Grade 2 deadbolt on your front and back door raises the effort significantly.
Photograph your valuables
Serial numbers and photographs of electronics, jewellery, and bikes are essential for insurance claims and Garda property recovery. Use the free Immobilise register at immobilise.com.
Mark your property
UV property marking (available from Garda stations through the Operation Anvil scheme) deters thieves and aids recovery. Mark laptops, power tools, and bikes.
Secure side gates
An unlocked side gate gives a burglar quick, concealed access to your rear garden. A heavy-duty padlock and a gate alarm (around €25) significantly raise the risk for opportunists.
Know your neighbours
Multiple studies confirm that knowing your neighbours by name is the single strongest predictor of neighbourhood safety. Join Patrol.ie to make this easier.
Don't hide keys outside
Fake rocks, under doormats, and above door frames are the first places a burglar checks. Leave a spare with a trusted neighbour instead.
Install a video doorbell
A visible video doorbell is a powerful deterrent. Opportunist burglars knock first to check if anyone is home. A doorbell camera lets you respond remotely and captures footage.
Register with An Post's Mail Hold
If travelling for more than a few days, An Post offers a free mail hold service. Overflowing letterboxes are a reliable "away" signal.
Secure ladders and tools
Never leave a ladder unsecured outside — it gives direct access to first-floor windows. Lock tools in a secured shed; power drills and bolt cutters become burglary aids if stolen.
Check insurance cover
Many Irish home insurance policies have conditions that void cover if basic security requirements aren't met. Read your policy now, not after a claim.
Use timer plugs
A lamp on a timer creates convincing signs of occupancy. Smart plugs allow you to control this remotely and vary the pattern so it doesn't look automated.
Join a neighbourhood watch
The ultimate security layer. An active neighbourhood where residents know each other, share alerts, and have a reporting channel is the most effective deterrent of all.
Connect with verified neighbours, receive real-time local alerts, and give your street the active watch presence that deters opportunist crime.
Join Free — Eircode Verified →