Women warned of date-rape drugs risk

GARDAÍ are visiting shopping centres in Cork city in a drive to warn women of the increasing likelihood that they could become victims of date-rape drugs.

The availability on the streets of drugs which can induce a semi-conscious state and leave victims with memory loss is a worry to gardaí, who want young women in particular to take precautions, especially on a night out at a pub or nightclub.

Anglesea Street-based Sergeant Mick O’Donoghue said date-rape drugs would be among several topics which gardaí would discuss in relation to crime prevention when they put up display stands in shopping centres this week.

“Women should mind their drink. If they are going to the toilet it shouldn’t be left unsupervised. If it is don’t drink it again,” Sgt O’Donoghue said. He also advised women to drink out of long-necked bottles, if possible, and to keep a finger over the top to ensure nobody can spike it with a tablet.

Any woman falling ill or feeling groggy should be looked after by her friends, who should ensure she is taken home, ideally in a taxi.

Gardaí will also focus on the growing problem of mobile phone theft, the main cause of which is carelessness by owners, who leave their phones on tables in pubs and nightclubs.

“The theft of mobile phones is huge, especially the latest models with inbuilt cameras. People should record the IMEI numbers, which can then be passed onto the phone companies, who can shut down the phone if it is stolen,” Sgt O’Donoghue said.

To do this people should press in sequence: star, hash, 06 and hash again, which will provide them with the number.

“People should also use their phones out of view, because we have had cases of opportunist thieves who will just snatch them and run,” he said.

Gardaí will also be giving advice to small builders on securing their equipment, especially as more than €2 million worth of tools have been stolen in Cork city and county in the last eight months, much of which has been smuggled abroad for resale.

In addition, people preparing for a their summer holidays should also take precautions.

“A lot don’t set their alarms and leave their windows open. They should also ensure that they cancel the milk and letters and give their keys to a trusted neighbour. Also inform your local garda station if you’re going away, so they can keep an eye on your home,” Sgt O’Donoghue said.

Other items which will be discussed include vehicle security. One thing which people persist in doing is said to be a godsend for thieves.

“They shouldn’t put valuables in the boot when they arrive at their destination. Thieves could spot this and all they have to do is break the fly window on the car and pull the boot lever. Always put valuable possessions in the boot before you leave,” Sgt O’Donoghue said.

Hoteliers, B&B owners and youth hostels will be advised on how to inform tourists about improving their personal and property safety.

Gardaí will advise in person and also distribute literature on all aspects of prevention when they visit the different locations throughout the week.