A generator was stolen from the front of a house in Ashefield early on Wed morning, June 22.  If you might have noticed anything suspicious in the area during the period from midnight to 2am on Wed, 22nd, contact Mullingar Garda station at +353 44 934 8915.  It was a large item so a van or trailer might have been used.  Due to the apparently rising level of theft in the general Mullingar area, it would be a good idea to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Gardaí immediately.

Unfortunately, there appears to be a rise in the number of burglaries in the area as reported in the local papers recently. This rise is also apparent across the country. Easy opportunities e.g. a door left unlocked for a few minutes or a window left open, will be seized upon by the opportunist burglar. Extra vigilance might save yourself or a neighbour the turmoil of a burglary so please do report any suspicious activity to the Gardai at 044 9384000. The garda.ie website has a home security checklist to help make your home less attractive for any unwanted attention. Their checklist is as follows:

Doors and windows

1. Are all your external doors properly fitted and equipped with appropriate secure locking systems?
   (i.e. 5-lever mortice locks for wooden doors, multi-point locking for uPVC doors etc.)
2. If you have glass panelled doors – are they reinforced in some way so that they cannot be
   shattered?
3. Have you a wide-angled viewer in your front/main entrance doors or other means of viewing
   callers?
4. Do you have a door chain / limiter fitted and do you use it?
5. Since moving into your home (where there may have been a previous occupier) have you had
   the locks changed?
6. Are your spare keys kept with a trusted neighbour and never left under an external mat,
   flower pot etc.
7. Do you lock your external doors when away from home, no matter how short a time?
8. Do you lock the doors out of your view when working in the garden / yard?
9. Have you installed an additional lock(s) to your sliding glass / patio doors?
10. Can you close and lock your garage doors?
11. Are the garage / outhouse doors protected with quality locks or deadbolts?
12. Do you close and lock your garage /outhouse doors?
13. Are all your windows secure?
14. Can the window openings be restricted for ventilation?
15. Do you check to see if all windows are secured when you leave your home?

Inside security

1. Do you ask for identification before allowing unknown servicemen / callers into your home?
2. Do you avoid leaving cash at home?
3. Have you automatic timers on some lights when your house is vacant?
4. Does your home always look like someone is at home?
5. Have you recorded serial numbers of your valuables?
6. Have you, for identification purposes, photographed your valuables especially items for which
   you have no serial numbers such as jewellery, china, crystal, paintings, antiques etc?
7. Are your car / house keys kept in a location not visible from the outside?

Outside security

1. Is your house number visible from the street?
2. Is there sufficient illumination around your home to allow visible inspection of any dark areas
   around it?
3. Is there sufficient external lighting outside every door to illuminate visitors?
4. Do neighbours and passers-by have a clear view of your home?
5. Have you trimmed all hedges and shrubs so they can’t hide a burglar at work on the windows
   and doors?
6. Have you ever walked around your house looking for ways a burglar might be able to get in?
7. Do you keep tools or ladders etc. in places inaccessible to potential burglars?
8. Are machines, tools and other high value items stored in garages or sheds securely padlocked
   or chained to prevent removal?
9. Is your shed / garage secure?

Holiday security

1. Have you a reliable neighbour whom you can notify of your travel plans and give a key to, with a
   request for a periodic house check?
2. Do you have a neighbour collect your mail or newspapers when you are away or do you avail of
   Mailminder from An Post?
3. Do you cancel all deliveries?
4. Do you have your neighbour park his / her extra car in your driveway when you are away from
   home?
5. Do you arrange to have your lawn mowed?
6. Do you notify the Gardaí of prolonged absences from your home?

Electronic security

1. Do you have an intruder alarm system fitted and do you use it?
2. Does it conform to the European Norm standard EN 50131?
3. Is it maintained and serviced annually?
4. Are you aware of the current Garda Intruder Alarm Policy?
5. Do you know how to operate and use your alarm system functions?
6. Have you considered connecting it to a monitoring centre or your mobile phone?
7. Have you appointed a keyholder(s) and will they respond appropriately to an alarm activation?

Download the checklist

Unfortunately, there has been an increase in the number of cases of illegal dumping in Ashefield recently. If you spot someone leaving rubbish bags or other litter in the estate, please contact Westmeath County Council’s litter control and report it either by email to environment@westmeathcoco.ie or using the low cost number 1890 320 005 . Don’t assume someone else will. It’s not fair on the local residents who do spend the time and money on clearing up after the illegal dumpers.

From Westmeath County Council: The emails will be checked daily by environment staff and all reports will be investigated. Alternatively incidences of littering/llegal dumping can be reported to Lo-call 1890 320 005   It is hoped that members of the public will be prepared to give evidence which will lead to conviction in the courts.

The road numbering signs have also been vandalised recently. Thanks to another local resident, repairs are being made.  If you spot any vandalism or other anti-social behavour, please do inform Mullingar Gardaí at 044 934 8915. Sometimes all it takes is the presence of  a Garda car to deter the vandals.