Thefts and robberies strongly linked to drink

Half of all thefts and robberies happen over the weekend and are strongly linked to drink-related behaviour, according to figures released as part of a new campaign by An Garda Síochána.

The ‘Street Wise’ campaign comes as part of a National Crime Prevention Day of Action, and gardaí are advising people to take common sense steps to minimise the risk to themselves and their property.

Gardaí have advised the public to be observant and to conceal their valuables when out, and to plan their journeys by telling someone where they are going and using well-lit routes to reach their destination.

Sergeant Alan Roughneen of the National Crime Prevention Unit said that there is a strong link between intoxication and thefts, robberies, and assaults.

He said the Garda campaign had been timed to advise the public ahead of next week’s St Patrick’s Day festivities.

Late-night intoxication is a factor in 12% of thefts from persons, 19% of robberies, and 18% of assaults.

Gardaí are advising the public to avoid making mobile phone calls in public places. If it is necessary to make or receive a call in public, it is advised to always do so with your back up against a wall or a shop window so that you can see around you and reduce the opportunity of being attacked from behind.

“People can be engrossed in their screens; add alcohol on top of that and you can be vulnerable,” Sgt Roughneen said.

Information released by the gardaí revealed that half of thefts and robberies from people happen between Friday and Sunday, and that one in four mobile phones are stolen between the hours of midnight and 4am.

One in three thefts from a person involved a snatch and grab in public.

While public order offences are deceasing, there are an average 79 disorderly conduct offences occurring every day.

“We want people to enjoy themselves when out, and taking a few easy steps can greatly reduce the chances of their day or night being ruined,” Sgt Roughneen said.

“These include remaining observant, be conscious of your alcohol intake, don’t make it easy for a thief to take your phone by leaving it on the table, and avoid walking in dark locations.

“Working together, we can reduce the opportunities available to criminals,” he said.

Sgt Roughneen also advised people to be wary against getting caught in late-night confrontation ‘flash points’ like outside pubs, and queues in fastfood restaurants and nightclubs.

DID YOU KNOW?

■ Half of all thefts and

robberies from persons

happen between Friday

and Sunday.

■ Over half of all assaults

happen between Friday

and Sunday.

■ There is a strong link

b e t w e e n i n t o x i c a t i o n

and thefts, robberies and

assaults.

■ One in three thefts from

persons involved a “snatch

a n d g r a b ” i n a p u b l i c

place.

■ One in four robberies

happen between midnight

and 4am.

Read more of today’s news here