Millions of tourists visit Ireland each year with very few complaints or crime problems. If you are planning a trip to Ireland, in the grand scheme of the world, you have selected a relatively safe location. No country is completely free from crime or worry, yet Ireland does not have a high risk rate for crime.
Like any major city, capital cities such as Dublin in the Republic of Ireland or Belfast in the north can have more dangerous places.
Reputationally, you may have heard that there are bombs, riots, tanks and guns, but Irish terrorism has declined significantly since the 1990s. As with anywhere, like your hometown or a travel destination, be smart and vigilant. to its surroundings.
Emergency numbers
In an emergency, contact your local law enforcement authorities, the Gardai (Republic of Ireland) or the PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland), both can be reached from any phone by dialing 112 or 999. There is a number of phone numbers emergency, or you can contact the tourist support services offered by the embassies.
Crime in Ireland
Let’s take a look at some general tips to help you avoid being a target or victim of crime.
Pickpockets and bag snatchers
The greatest danger to the unsuspecting tourist, in Ireland and indeed around the world, arises from opportunistic thieves, who use crowds as a cover. The easiest crime for someone is pulling pockets or just snatching a bag and running. Take the usual precautions – use your valuables close by and as inaccessible as possible. If you carry a bag with a strap, wear the strap on your body, not off your shoulder. If you place your purse on a restaurant table, a quick trick is to simply attach the strap to a chair or leg.
And never leave your valuables like passports, money and credit cards unattended, not even at the hotel or in the rental car.
Theft or Sexual Assault
While rare, theft still exists. To avoid being threatened with bodily harm in exchange for your valuables, the best precaution is to avoid lonely streets at night or in the early hours of the morning, even if that means taking a detour or a taxi ride. Don’t be flashy and flash diamond rings, a thick wallet, or jewelry more than absolutely necessary.
In case you are faced with a potential assailant trying to rob you, the best reaction is to comply with the demands unless you can safely get the attention of law enforcement officials. Fighting back is not recommended. Your risk of injury is greatly increased if you try to defend yourself. Stay cool, calm and collected and do not offer resistance. The weapons in robberies are usually fists, boots or knives. Gun crime is relatively rare. Most shootings are related to gangs or family feuds, not a strange danger.
To lower your chances of rape or sexual assault, don’t plan on getting drunk, taking drugs, hitchhiking, going to parties or places unaccompanied, or walking alone on dark, desolate streets. In the case, they confront you or follow you, run towards people. Dial 112 for the emergency / police phone line.
Terrorist activity
Since the late 1990s, the threat of terrorism by Republican or loyalist paramilitaries has severely diminished, although some Republican dissidents still want to undermine the peace process by violent means.
International terrorism has so far bypassed Ireland. The threat has not completely disappeared, as the Irish are part of the British troops fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. And, Irish airports are being used by the US military.
The Irish authorities are actively preventing terrorist actions with security measures in place. The authorities should be well prepared for any terrorist incident in most of the Emerald Isle.
Homophobic, religious and racist hate crime
Comparatively rare in rural areas and more a part of life in cities and towns, homophobic crimes or “gay attacks” tend to occur sporadically, often in the vicinity of gay hangouts.
Religious hate crimes are rare these days, although sneaky vandalism directed against property is more likely than actual spontaneous physical attacks. In Ireland, anti-Semitism or stereotypes about Jews or Muslims can occur.
Racist hate crimes are mainly limited to larger urban areas and can be both spontaneous and planned. Most of the victims are not Caucasian.
Crimes related to the automobile
“Smash and grab” attacks on tourist vehicles are a definite risk. Most of these are crimes of opportunity. The best prevention is simply not leaving bags or valuables in plain sight – lock them in the trunk, even when you’re only getting out of the car for a few minutes. The same goes for motorhomes or tents if you are camping; do not bring valuables.
Car theft and vandalism mostly occur when vehicles are parked in isolated areas. To prevent theft, use a supervised parking area and securely lock cars at all times.
Car hijacking rarely happens. As a precaution, close your car doors when driving in urban areas.
Credit card fraud or scammers
Credit card fraud is on the rise in Ireland. It’s worth keeping your PIN safe and keeping your card in view when paying. Beware of suspicious activity at or near ATMs, this could indicate credit card “theft” or criminal attacks.
There are definite instances of obvious overload for tours or souvenirs, which may qualify as a scam, but are not really if the price is posted in advance and you agree to the price.
The biggest scams targeting tourists are relatively rare. As always, the cautionary tip, which means “Buyer beware” applies to everyone who thinks they are getting a good deal. If it’s too good to be true, then it probably is.
