Teens warned of Luas and DART muggings

TEENAGERS travelling on DART and Luas services in Dublin have been warned to be aware of petty criminals who are operating on both services.

Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor (FG) urged parents to warn their children to be mindful when using smartphones in particular while on public transport.

“I have been made aware of a number of incidents of young teenagers being targeted by petty criminals on the Luas and the DART in recent weeks,

? Deputy Mitchell O’Connor said.

“The thieves are generally getting away with smartphones or other small electronic devices, such as iPads and iPods.

“The experience can be a very upsetting and frightening ordeal for the youngsters involved.

“I have spoken to the local gardaí in Dun Laoghaire who have confirmed that they are aware of the problem, and they are investigating a number of muggings.

?

Deputy Mitchell O’Connor said the incidents did not appear to be linked and she insisted that she did not want to cause undue concern among parents or teens.

“However, I believe it is important for parents to talk to their children about being aware of their personal belongings, particularly when they are getting off public transport, which is often when people are being targeted,

? she stated.

“It is also necessary to advise your children about what they should do if they are the victim of a crime. It is important not to confront individuals and to quickly make your way to a shop or the nearest house to get some help.

“I encourage parents to report incidents of crime if their children have been subject to attacks, as I believe these incidents are under-reported.

?

A spokesperson for Irish Rail did not comment at time of going to press.

However, a spokesperson for the operators of the Luas advised passengers to

“be smart

? when using devices.

“Transdev supports the Garda message that people should be smart when using their mobile phone,

? the spokesperson said.

“Information is available on the Garda website and the Luas website about how to be smart and protect your mobile phone at all times.

?