According to 'The Burden of Crime in Europe' survey, Irish people are more likely to be victims of crime than any other country in the EU.

One in five (22.1%) Irish people said they fell victim to common crimes such as assault, robbery or theft in 2004. This was the highest response recorded in the 18 EU states surveyed by international polling company Gallup.

Approximately 2,000 people were surveyed on their experiences of crime in the 15 old EU member states and three new ones, Poland, Estonia and Hungary.

Ireland also ranked highest in Europe for the percentage of people that had experienced robberies (2.5%).

Although the EU survey is based on citizens' experiences and perceptions rather than government or garda figures, the figures are backed up by the latest eircom PhoneWatch Burglary Report for 2006 which shows that burglaries increased by 26% nationwide during the 12 months between June 2005 and June 2006. Estimates suggest that approximately Euro69m worth of goods were stolen from residential homes, an increase of 17% on the previous year.

According to Nick Quigley, chief executive of eircom PhoneWatch, the figures show that homeowners need to be more vigilant about securing their homes, especially when they are in their homes. "In most cases, the act of burglary is opportunistic and householders should take measures to increase the level of security in their home. There is a significant increase in the number of burglaries taking place while people are at home.

People need to be more security conscious while they are in their homes."

So, where are homeowners most at risk and how can you become more security conscious around the home?

WHO DUNNIT?

The when, where and how you're most likely to be burgled.

Safe as houses?

Not according to the eircom Phone Watch Burglary Report 2006*, which makes interesting reading for buyers who think a house is safer than an apartment.

According to the report, the most vulnerable residences in Ireland are semi-detached properties, with 32% of burglaries, followed by detached houses with 26%.

Apartments are the property type least likely to be burgled.

When An ala rming seven out of 10 burglaries take place while people are at home (58% increase). The most popular day of the week to be burgled is a Thursday and you're most likely to be burgled between 12am and 4am.

Location, location, location. . .

Although burglaries outside of Dublin increased by a dramatic 35%, the report shows Dublin continues to top Ireland's burglary table, with a 12% increase in burglaries. And though there were more burglaries on the southside (58.3%), the northside experienced an increase in burglaries to 41.46%.

Where (Dublin) The postal district of North County Dublin (Swords, Malahide, Balbriggan) and South County Dublin (Blackrock, Dun Laoghaire, Glenageary) are the two most burgled areas in Dublin. The areas least likely to be burgled are Dublin 10 (Ballyfermot), Dublin 17 (Balgriffin, Darndale, Clonshaugh), and Dublin 20 (Chapelizod, Palmerstown).

Outside Dublin Wicklow had the most dramatic increase in burglaries, followed by Kildare, Limerick city and county, Cork city and county and Louth.

Sligo and Leitrim had the least number of burglaries How Although the EU report shows that Ireland had the highest number of households with burglar alarms, the eircom PhoneWatch report shows that two out of three homes burgled had no alarm system and that the primary method of entry is a rear window How much An average of Euro3,924 was taken from each home, which equates to about Euro69m worth of goods stolen from residences in the 12 months between June 2005 and June 2006.

*The eircom PhoneWatch Burglary Report was conducted by loss adjusters The OSG Group and was based on a sample of 10,747 household insurance claims in the 12 months June 2005 - June 2006

CRIME LEAGUE TABLES: HOW WE COMPARE WITH THE EU

AS crime rates fall in the EU, following a peak of 21% in 1995, a recent survey shows that crime figures in Ireland are on the rise.

»Ireland (22.1%)
» Britain (21%)
» Estonia (20.2%)
» The Netherlands (19.8%)
» Denmark (19.3%).
» Popular overseas locations such as Hungary (10%) and Poland (10.4%) had the lowest number of crimes.

In league tables of both car thefts and burglary rates, Ireland came third highest. Only Britain recorded higher levels in both categories, coming top in burglaries.

SECURITY TIPS
Bedtime
»Money - don't keep large amounts of cash at home and if you do, ensure it is safely stored
» Windows - if you need to keep windows open at night put the alarm on
»Blinds/curtains - keep them closed, only you need to know what's in your house
»Lights - leave a light on in the porch or hallway; light deters prowlers
Holidays
»Post - get a neighbour or friend to move your post especially if you're away for a while
»Lights - a timer gives the impression that someone is at home
»Radio - leave a radio on for authentic living sounds
Anytime
»Doors/windows - keep doors locked and windows shut, most burglaries take place while people are at home minding children, working or relaxing
»Alarm - keep your alarm on while you're at home for peace of mind
»Keys - don't keep your household keys on wall hooks near the front door. Keep keys in drawers and a spare set with neighbours, not under plant pots