SWORDS residents have been warned not to put presents under their Christmas trees until December 25th in a bid to prevent burglaries.

As gardaí prepare to unveil their Christmas safety message, warnings have been issued over the increase in break-ins during the winter months. And while several arrests have been made and new burglary unit established, the onus is also on the public to take preventative measures, with the elderly and vulnerable being targeted by both local and travelling criminals.

'Burglary levels are higher than average across winter months, which we are now in,' Swords community garda, Sgt Kevin Toner said. 'Most burglaries happen during the day time. 'During the summer, there are more people at home with kids off school and at Christmas, people tend to be out more. People might go out to mass on Christmas morning and have presents taken from under the tree.

'There have been incidents of this happening, but not just in Swords. Presents should be put under the tree early on Christmas morning or else the tree should be kept out of view from windows. It's only an invitation for burglars.' Swords has seen a huge increase in burglaries in recent months, with instances of 'fishing' for keys through letter boxes particularly prevalent, although gardaí have made significant breakthroughs.

' There has been a recent upscale of burglaries in the area and we have made numerous arrests and questioned people,' Sgt Toner continued.

'With some cases, we are awaiting DPP directions and others have been straightforwards charges and will appear in court.

'There is a local level of criminals, but then there are people travelling around the country. They are looking at the elderly and vulnerable and jewellery seems to be the commodity taken the most. It's a quick hit.

'A burglary unit has been formed and we will continue to patrol the area. We have caught people 'fishing' through letterboxes and we would call for vigilance.

'People should not leave keys or valuables near the front door. We are counteracting burglaries, we have increased patrols and people have been caught.

'But we are appealing to people to protect their homes. We alone can't stop all burglaries and a lot of the houses targeted weren't alarmed.'

Swords Gardaí will be launching their Christmas safety campaign in the Pavilions Shopping Centre this Saturday, December 5th, from 10pm to 4pm.

- Robin KIELY