THE IRISH TOURIST Assistance Service helped 690 people from 44 countries who experienced crime while visiting Ireland last year.
The ITAS offers immediate support and assistance, as well as a calm and supporting environment, for tourists affected by thefts, robberies and other incidents.
In its Annual Report published today, the service said that because of its interventions, about 87 per cent of their clients continued their holiday as planned.
Established as a volunteer charity in 1994, ITAS says it operates with the support of Ireland’s tourist and hospitality industry, as well as the Gardaí and Embassy consular staff. Nine part-time staff make up the core team but language volunteers are also called upon.
During 2011, ITAS received 394 referrals, of which 251 related to crime and 143 to other traumatic incidents.
Most people who used the service were told about it by the Gardaí.
The majority of tourists who contact the office were victims of crime in Dublin. However, 67 incidents took place across other counties, including 10 incidents in Galway and 12 in Wicklow.
About 58 per cent of the 690 tourists who were assisted by the group were female and about 36 per cent under the age of 25. American, French, Spanish, French, German and Italian people made up the majority of the group.
Theft continues to be the main crime referred to the service. However, cases of violent crime increased from nine incidents in 2010 to 15 last year. They included aggravated theft, assault, sexual assault and robbery.
The service also helped people affected by loss of property, missed flights and traffic accidents.
“Dubliners have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming and hopefully most visitors have a happy experience and leave Dublin with happy memories,” says Lord Mayor Andrew Montague. “Unfortunately a few people do have experience of anti‐social behaviour and crime in our City and it is good to know that the staff and volunteers of the Irish Tourist Assistance Service are at hand to help them through these difficult times.”
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