12 held in 'distraction theft' inquiry

TWELVE PEOPLE were questioned by gardaí following a surveillance operation into so-called "distraction thefts"

Gardaí seized €30,000 worth of property including cash, mobile phones and cameras which they believe may have been stolen from members of the public by an organised gang. They are believed to be Romanian nationals.

Distraction thefts usually occur at ATMs. The most common form of scam is when a person is distracted just as they enter their PIN number and another person takes money from that machine.

Recently, a 14-year-old boy was convicted of stealing €200 on five separate occasions from an ATM and he and his family were ordered to compensate the victims. Other distraction thefts target people laden down with shopping or late at night when they are emerging from pubs or clubs.

The gang, many of whom are believed to be from the Roma community, have been monitored through Operation Hawkeye, involving gardaí from Dublin city centre, primarily Store Street and Pearse Street Garda stations. The operation has been going on for several months. A Garda spokesman said: "People should be particularly vigilant regarding their property when in public areas, particularly while using ATM machines or socialising in pubs, clubs and coffee shops."

Tallaght TD Charlie O'Connor said he had been alerted three times in the last week to the activities of some families in the area. Mr O'Connor also said he had been a victim of an attempted "distraction theft" himself when his bank card was stolen from outside an ATM in Tallaght village recently. He said he had been distracted by a hand behind him in the queue and when he returned to the ATM, his card had gone.

"It demonstrates to the community to remain vigilant and I wasn't spared in that regard. It is vital that the Garda respond immediately and effectively in an attempt to curb gang crimes and full credit must be given to the local Garda unit," he said