Gardaí are warning the faithful attendees of Papal events that they should take precautions to prevent burglars targetting their empty homes.
Up to 750,000 people are expected to attend the World Meeting of Families (WMOF) events over Saturday and Sunday August 25 and 26.
The Papal mass with Pope Francis in Dublin’s Phoenix Park will draw half a million people from their homes, while 45,000 tickets are booked for Knock Shrine.
Gardaí are set to increase patrols nationally this weekend in a bid to catch burglars planning to break into empty homes.
People leaving homes this weekend are being reminded to secure their homes and ask neighbours to check in on their properties.
Gardaí recommended steps for home security and burglary prevention include: securing all doors and windows; light up your home; use timer switches when out; store keys safely and away from windows; record details of all valuables; don’t keep large amounts of cash at home; use your alarm even when at home.
