THALIA HEFFERNAN ADVISES YOUNG PEOPLE TO #MINDYOURSTUFF
Top Irish model endorses An Garda Síochána’s new personal safety campaign
Top Irish model and former ‘Dancing With The Stars’ contender Thalia Heffernan is advising young people to ‘mind your stuff’ when they go out socialising this month.
Heffernan, who was a victim of a mugging incident in July 2015, is supporting the new ‘Streetwise’ campaign launched last week by An Garda Síochána.
The campaign 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 showing that 3 in 4 victims of phone theft are between 18 to 39 years of age; while 3 in every 5 thefts happen on a street, road or footpath.
Speaking today, Thalia 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. Two in every five thefts take place on a street, road or footpath, so we all need to get wise to the various steps we can take to help prevent becoming a victim. 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’.
An Garda Síochána are advising people to take the following steps to protect their personal property and themselves:
• Plan your night out, how are you getting there and how are you 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.
• Streetwise; be wary of your surroundings and mind your property.
To help prevent phone theft:
• Keep your phone out of public view. ‘Be Streetwise’.
• Don’t call or text while crossing the road.
• Don’t leave your phone behind in the car.
• Dial *#06# and save a screenshot of your IMEI number. Email the image to yourself.
• Keep your phone locked and enable a PIN security and phone finder features.
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. When you are out and about, know where your handbag, wallet, mobile phone and keys are at all times.
"We want people to enjoy their nights out and the best way to do that is to have a plan.”
