Gardaí urge people to step up security amid burglary surge

Senior gardaí have encouraged people to take simple steps to improve their home and vehicle security after a surge in burglary rates across Cork city and county.

The reported rate of property crime in the Cork City, North Cork and West Cork garda divisions has increased to 1,884 in the first quarter of the year compared to 1,657 in the same period last year.

The reported incidents of crime against the person have increased to 480 in the first quarter compared to 403 last year, and the rates of burglary, non-aggravated, have jumped from 326 to 424.