Burglars most likely to strike at Mass time

Criminals are responsible for a 40% increase in burglaries in Co Cork in the first quarter — many of them striking when householders are attending Mass.

Figures released by gardaí show there were 465 burglaries recorded in the three Cork Garda divisions for the first three months of the year, compared to 347 for the same period in 2011.

The most striking increase was in North and East Cork, where there was a 59% rise. Burglaries were up 31% in Cork City and 28% in West Cork.