Gardaí in County Louth are calling on householders to stay alert to burglary as the dark winter months arrive. Their advice is simple: lock up when leaving and leave a light on. Shorter days and longer nights give thieves more cover, and break-ins traditionally climb during the cold season. A lit window, even in an empty house, suggests someone is home and can be enough to put an intruder off. Officers want residents to secure doors and windows every time they step out, even for a short errand. Neighbours can help each other too, keeping an eye on properties when occupants travel away. Anyone who notices suspicious activity around a house is being asked to contact Gardaí without delay.