GARDAÍ HAVE LAUNCHED a new campaign aimed at cutting the number of robberies that occur on nights out.

The Streetwise campaign is supported by Irish model and former Dancing With The Stars contender Thalia Heffernan. Heffernan, who was a victim of a mugging incident in July 2015, is advising 18 to 39 year-olds who are going out to mind their personal property and possessions, such as a bag, wallet, phone or set of keys.

New statistics from An Garda Síochána show that three in four victims of phone theft are aged between 18 and 39, while three in every five thefts happen on a street, road or footpath.

Heffernan said:

“Everybody likes to go out and have fun, but it’s also really important to mind yourself and your stuff when socialising. Avoid walking alone and take care of your property, particularly mobile phones and purses or wallets. Plan your night before you leave too – tell someone where you’re going and when you will be back.

“In short, be streetwise.

As someone who was assaulted and had my bag stolen not that long ago, I know what a really frightening experience it is and how inconvenient it is to lose all your stuff. I never thought it would happen to me – and it did. If it does happen to you, always report the crime to the Gardaí.

She added: “Whatever you are doing this month, make sure you enjoy yourself. Have fun but have a plan’.

The gardaí are advising people to:

• Plan your night out, how you are getting there and how you are getting back
• Let someone know where you are going and when you are coming back
• Avoid walking alone in dark places
• Never attempt to reason with drunk or aggressive people
• Keep your phone out of public view
• Don’t call or text crossing a road

Sergeant Kelvin Courtney of the National Crime Prevention Unit said:

Last year €2.5million worth of mobile phones were stolen. In three out of four thefts where a mobile phone was stolen the victim was aged between 18 and 39.

This campaign is a reminder to people to be streetwise when out in public as 40% of all thefts and robberies took place on a street, road or footpath with a further 20% taking place in a licensed premises or restaurant-type location.”

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