The family of an American tourist who was mugged in Dublin say they do not feel safe in the city at night, reports Breaking News.
Stephen Termini, 57, from New York, was attacked on Talbot Street last month.
He remains in the hospital, but his sons say he is feeling much better.
Mike Rizzuto, Stephen’s son, said he was concerned about the city center because of what happened.
Mr Rizzuto told Newstalk: “It seems like if you’re not from Ireland you get spotted out immediately, and there’s just a higher chance for tourists to be attacked it seems. It’s unfortunate, I mean I didn’t feel safe enough to go out at night so that’s something I would stand by my feelings with. I wouldn’t go down the city centre at night personally and I’ve been in some pretty rough spots in the States,” reports Breaking News.
The attack on Mr Termini has sparked a public debate about security in central Dublin.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee stressed that the city is mostly safe, while also pledging to take measures to prevent violent attacks.
Recent Department of Justice figures revealed that 20,000 cases were reported in the first six months of this year as a result of a variety of crimes committed in central Dublin, reports Breaking News.
In the same period, 13,255 complaints were made, 7,654 summons were issued and drugs seized amounted to €8.6 million in the city center and €34 million in the city as a whole.
More than 10,500 foot patrols have taken place since January as part of Operation Citizen, which focuses on high-visibility policing in Dublin city centre, reports Breaking News.
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