Most doors cannot withstand criminal attack, warns senior Garda

A senior Garda has warned today that many Irish homes are not secure enough to keep out burglars.

Wicklow's crime prevention officer, sergeant John Gill, is hosting the country's largest crime prevention conference at the Arklow Bay Hotel today - which will see local and international companies cover all aspects of home and commercial security.

There will be dozens of stalls from local and international crime prevention companies - who'll also be on hand to give members of the public lessons on keeping their home secure.

Sergeant Gill said that many Irish front doors and windows are not fit for purpose.

"I think there's a lot could be done in relation to physical security," he said.

"There's windows and door fitted that wouldn't keep out the cold, never mind burglars.

"People will have to look seriously at their windows and doors.

"In relation to incidents where force is used to gain entry to, say, private dwellings, in 34% of the cases entry was through the front door.

"Which highlights the fact that most doors cannot withstand criminal attack."