The majority of burglaries occur between 5 and 10pm in the winter months.
As the dark evenings come in, the risk of burglaries will come with them.
Gardaí are reminding the public to keep their doors and windows locked and their lights on timers.
They're also advising people not to leave keys near letterboxes.
Garda figures show more than one-third of burglars use the front door of a property, and the majority of burglaries happen between 5 and 10pm in the winter months.
Crime Prevention Officer for Westmeath, Sergeant John McWalter, says a dark house is like an invitation for a criminal:
Sentencing Of €8.4m Cocaine Pilot Delayed After 'Breakdown' With Legal Team
Councillors Push For Local Link Service Between Westmeath Towns
Midlands MEP warns EU of 'serious costs crisis'
TUS Athlone Students Voice Concerns Over Rising Fuel Costs
Revenue Seize Over €94k Of Contraband In Various Operations
Over €7.4 Million Announced For Housing Adaption Grants For Midlands
Three Hour Commute Forced Midlands Woman To Leave Dublin Hospital Job
Westmeath Fundraising Committee Seek Volunteers For 24 Hour Walk
Snow Could Be On The Cards This Week Despite Longer Evenings
First Laois Finalist In National Heritage Awards
'Hocus Pocus… No More Focus' Driver Caught In Laois Hours Into Driving Ban
Tolü Makay And Katelyn Cummins Into Dancing With the Stars Final
Over €65K Funding For Midlands Agricultural Shows
Westmeath TD Condemns Arson Attacks On Westmeath Churches
Road Hauliers Warn Of Rolling Protests Over Rising Fuel Costs
Gardaí Appeal For Witnesses To Vandalised Westmeath Train
Giant Concrete Pipes Depart Offaly Concrete Company For Bypass Project
Further Grants Possible To Help Homeowners With Rising Costs - Taoiseach
Laois County Council Launch Centenarian Award
Midlands Set To Get €7.2M For Retrofitting Social Homes