Student has wallet stolen by man who gave him directions in Limerick

GARDAÍ have offered advice to people on how to be streetwise after a student's wallet was stolen in Limerick. 

On February 29 at 10:45pm the 18-year-old, who is not from Limerick, was walking from a nightclub towards a hotel.

He was not sure of where he was so he asked a man for directions. He got directions to the hotel and then the man asked him for money for food.

The young student took out his wallet; the man grabbed it, took out what cash was in it and ran off.

The student was unable to provide a specific location of where this theft happened.

Sergeant Ber Leetch, crime prevention officer at Henry Street garda station said she found the incident very worrying.

"I am not blaming the victim but this young man was a stranger to Limerick and he was out walking alone late at night. You need learn to be streetwise – always, day or night.

"The definition of streetwise is to have the experience and knowledge necessary to deal with potential difficulties or dangers of life in an urban environment.

"Experience will only come from time and life’s lessons but a person can learn how to be streetwise. If you are aware of your surroundings and the potential that you could be a victim of crime, you are on the way to being streetwise.

"You must ask yourself why would a criminal target you, what are they after? Is it your handbag, your wallet, your phone or car? Could it be that you are vulnerable and isolated and therefore an easy target?

"A criminal is looking for money or means of getting money by either selling on stolen property, stealing your cash or getting access to your cash through your bankcards."

Sergeant Leetch outlined what may make a person vulnerable. 

"From the mind-set of a criminal I would look at a person’s gender, age, are they alone, could they be a stranger to the area, the location and do they appear confident or timid?

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"One or more of those factors can affect how you may be judged as a potential target. 

"Think ahead and plan your night or trip out, how will you get home? Tell someone your plans and what time you expect to be home.

"Be observant, do not engage with anybody, do not make eye contact and keep walking. Choose well-lit routes and stay with your friends.

"Keep your mobile phone, wallet or purse out of sight and carry only essential cards and cash. If you are a victim of crime, ring 999 and report it to gardaí immediately."