Business owners in Donegal are being warned over a resurgence in organised crime gangs robbing rural shops and filling stations.
Crime Prevention Gardaí in the region issued an alert today calling on business owners to check their security arrangements.
It comes after a number of filling stations have been targeted in the North Western Region. Gardaí say they have obtained intelligence indicating the presence of experienced criminals operating in the area.
The criminals are known to conduct surveillance on targeted properties before launching a raid.
Owners / managers are being advised to ‘target harden’ their premises and increase their ability to withstand robust criminal attacks.
Sergeant Paul Wallace Divisional Crime Prevention Officer based at Letterkenny Garda Station stated: “We have noted the resurgence across the North Western Region of this crime type in recent weeks by OCG’s (Organised Criminal Groupings).
“The OCG activity is focused on, in the main, rural shops and filling stations, these people are well equipped and are very determined to gain access to properties so it follows business persons are requested to review their security arrangements and take steps where necessary.”
Sergeant Wallace outlined some of the criminals’ common methods:
- Perimeter fencing (if present) will be cut in advance to afford fast entry and escape.
- Manhole covers which may allow access to phone / alarm /internet signalling will be checked and tampered with.
- No vehicles will be observed near the targeted property but may be parked in the vicinity (fields etc.).
- Neighbouring properties ( farm sheds & yards) may be targeted to source implements e.g. ladders / Sledgehammers etc.
- GSM Blockers will be used by the OCG to disrupt or block alarm signals.
- Entry will be discreet at the rear or via the roof.
- The OCG will use 2 –way radios to communicate and will move by crawling through the premises.
- In the event of an alarm activation they may remain close by to observe shop owners attending and arrival of Gardaí.
- Cash in ATMs and office safes will be targeted as will tobacco products.
- Any accessible CCTV hard drives will be removed and dumped.
Business premises require the following basic requirements:
- Intruder alarm systems should only be installed by persons who operate from an established business address that can be verified & registered with the P.S.A – Private Security Authority. Information at www.psa.ie
- Intruder Alarm systems in business premises should have a back up signalling facility via GSM / Radio back up link in order that they can operate in the event of a telephone line outage. This is a basic requirement.
- CCTV systems should only be installed by competent registered persons. Hard drives have to be secured or have a back up facility. If the recording equipment is not secure – you may as well have no cctv equipment at all.
- Roof and attic spaces should have wire screening to prevent physical access and have monitoring capability by the alarm system.
- Roller shutters must be properly secured and if electrically operated have a remote power outage/kill switch.
- Lighting should operate internally in conjunction with alarm activation to draw attention to the premises. Perimeter lighting should illuminate well without black spots to assist camera images.
- Safes should be securely mounted and have time locks fitted.
- The physical security i.e. perimeter fencing gates & condition of access doors is of paramount importance.
- Staff should be alert and report suspicious activity around the premises and be extra vigilant at opening and closing times.
The public should be aware that the Gardai do not monitor alarm systems but provide a response if the system meets the requirements of the Intruder Alarm Policy. Not all Alarm Installations are to this standard.
When investing in security equipment remember quality & efficiency comes at a price & used properly installed and used will help you to beat the criminal.
