3,000 businesses hit by criminals

MORE than 3,000 Irish businesses were targeted by criminals during the first six months of this year.

Most of the incidents occurred on Sundays and involved multiple intruders, a new study into commercial crime reveals.

At almost 1,000, Dublin had the highest number of attempted break-ins, according to the survey, which was conducted by the security company Netwatch.

The first three months of the year saw a surge in the prices achieved for metals such as copper and this culminated in a number of gangs targeting hardware yards and construction premises.

Netwatch, which provides security services to more than 1,500 businesses throughout Ireland, recorded over 3,000 incidents at business sites throughout Ireland from January to June.

The Netwatch Commercial Crime Report points to increasing numbers of planned, co-ordinated attacks on premises.

“Our data shows that the lone burglar acting opportunistically is now in the minority,” said Niall Kelly, technical director of Netwatch.

“These groups are usually well-organised criminals and this can greatly increase the risk of personal attack should intruders be challenged by a business owner while they are on the premises.

“For most of us Sunday is a day of rest, but not for burglars,” he added.

“Over 40% of the recorded break-ins took place at the weekend when premises are empty and unmanned.

“Sunday is the busiest day for Ireland’s criminals when there is little or no traffic in industrial estates or business parks.”

One of the more unusual activities by intruders included a recording ofa gang dressed in high-visibility jackets and with clipboards pretending to be undertaking a traffic survey outside a premises while their colleagues attempted to gain entry at the rear of the building.