Garda warning on spate of pickpocketing

Gardaí have warned the public be on their guard against small gangs of pickpockets operating in the city over recent weeks.

The gangs – usually made up of two to three people – distract their targets before ‘relieving’ them of their wallets or purses.

Gardai have confirmed that they have received a number of reports of pickpocketing around the city over the past couple of weeks and have advised people to be as ‘street wise’ as possible.

One ruse being used by the gangs is that one of them brushes up against their targets, apparently accidentally, and as he apologises for this, an accomplice steals the wallet or cash from the victim.

A spokesperson for Galway Gardai said that expensive mobile phones remained the number one target for ‘casual robberies’ around the city.

“Smart phones are expensive items that are easily robbed and easily concealed. If you are using your phone in public, always have your back to a wall or shop window to reduce the chances of any attack from behind,” said the Garda spokesperson.

Garda have also advised the public to conceal their wallet or purse as much as practically possible and to only carry enough cash on their person for their day’s business.

They have also advised the public to always be aware of their environment with busy shopping areas, poorly lit streets and laneways tending to attract muggers and robbers.