German tourists receive the most help due to crime, group says

German tourists and women made up the majority of victims of crime to have received assistance from the Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS) last year.

Crimes mostly occurred as the tourists were sightseeing, shopping and socialising.

German nationals made up the largest category assisted by ITAS, followed by French, American, Italian, British and Spanish tourists.

The victims tended to be female and aged between 17-25.

The majority of crimes referred to the service occurred between the hours of 2-6 pm in Dublin city centre.

The most common crimes perpetrated against tourists were theft from the person and theft from cars, while more than 50 per cent of assistance was provided at the weekends.

ITAS assisted tourists involved in eight cases of violent crime, including aggravated thefts, assaults and robberies.

Overall, 408 incidents of tourist crime and traumatic incidents were referred to ITAS last year.

Pearse Street and Store Street Garda stations in Dublin referred the majority of the cases to ITAS, followed by Garda stations in Co Wicklow and Co Kerry.

‘Traumatic experience’

Lord Mayor of Dublin Christy Burke said: "Being a tourist victim of crime can be an extremely traumatic experience. It is reassuring to know that ITAS are on hand to respond to their needs 7-days a week throughout the year.

“Over 90 per cent of tourists opted to continue with their holiday plans last year, which is testament to the expertise and compassion of the staff and volunteers and the professionalism of the service.”

Martin Holohan, chairman of ITAS, said Ireland is leading the way in the support it provides to tourists who are victims of crime.

"ITAS is the only dedicated service in Europe offering specialist assistance to tourists in these situations. While we very much appreciate the funding we receive from the industry, further support is required in order to secure its future viability.

“All sectors of the industry benefit from the support provided by ITAS, it is in everyone’s interest to help.”