Up to 250 tourists mugged last year

Up to 250 tourists, mostly Europeans, were mugged in Ireland in 2006, figures showed today.

The Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS), which helps visitors who are victims of crime, said the second-biggest category was theft from cars, usually hired vehicles.

In 2006, ITAS was referred 315 cases by gardaí, hotels and embassies, and assisted 504 tourists.

The biggest crime was theft from person at 49% followed by theft from cars at 26 cases, which is slightly higher than last year’s figure of 23 cases.

Dublin Garda Stations referred about 75% of cases to ITAS followed by officers in Counties Wicklow, Galway, Cork and Louth. Embassies, hotels and banks also passed on details of incidents.

There were 14 cases of violent crimes against tourists in 2006 compared with 11 cases in 2005.

These included five robberies with violence, six assaults, two aggravated thefts and one stabbing.

A total of 86 of the four million British nationals who visited Ireland in 2006 were the most-targeted for overall crimes at 17%.

The Britons were followed closely by 76 Italians (15%); 50 Americans (10%); 45 French (9%), 40 Germans (8%) and 37 Spanish (7%).

The statistics were released today as Sports Minister John O’Donoghue launched a new ITAS DVD which highlights the services available for tourists who become victims of crime in Ireland.

However ITAS stressed that Ireland is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists.

ITAS chairman Joe Browne called on the tourist industry to help distribute the DVD so that tourists who are victims of crime can receive the best possible care and assistance.

Over seven million tourists visited Ireland in 2006 – while 315 incidents involving 504 tourists were referred to ITAS.

Mr O’Donoghue said crime can have a major impact on tourists, especially as they are even more vulnerable in a strange environment and may be travelling alone.

“Their problems are compounded by language, cultural or legal difficulties,” he added.

Ireland is one of three EU countries which has a designated Tourist Assistance Service; the others are based in Amsterdam and Budapest. Ireland provides the only national service.

ITAS chief Lisa Kennedy said that 78% of victimised tourists continued with their holiday after ITAS intervention.

ITAS is sponsored by the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime, Fáilte Ireland, Dublin City Council, Irish Hotels Federation and Vintners Federation of Ireland.

As a direct result of crime, 26 visitors had to shorten or abandon their plans and return and 34 people were forced to extend their stay in Ireland as a result of hospitalisation, theft of their own car, or the need to resolve problems associated with visas, passports and other documentation.