Public urged to take simple steps to stay safe from crime this Christmas

Gardaí are urging people to take special care at this time of year when assaults increase by more than a third, compared to January or February.

Sgt Kelvin Courtney of the National Crime Prevention Office said people should be aware that more assaults occur at Christmas and take simple steps to stay safe.

Research shows a clear correlation between assaults and incidents of drunkenness and the peak time for assaults is weekend nights.