total of 361 visitors to Ireland reported being the victim of crime last year.
Figures from the Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS) show the main complaint was personal theft, which accounted for 48% of all tourist crimes reported.
There were nine reports of violent crimes committed against tourists in 2010, ranging from aggravated theft to violent robbery.
Some 77% of the crimes reported were at garda stations in Dublin. Wicklow, Louth, Kerry and Galway were also hotspots for crimes against tourists.
Crimes tended to occur when tourists were sightseeing, shopping and generally relaxing in restaurants and cafés. Referrals to ITAS indicate that tourists are more likely to be victims of crime between 2-6pm, be female and aged between 17-25 years.
French nationals made up the largest proportion of the 40 nationalities referred to the service (110 people, or 18%). This is followed by Italians, 81 people (13%); Germans, 71 people (12%) Americans, 68 people (11%), British, 63 people (10%) and Spanish, 58 people (9%).
Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr. Edie Wynne said: "Being a victim of crime in a foreign country can be a frightening experience – you have the additional trauma of being in a strange country and perhaps not being familiar with the language, cultural and legal environment.
"Tourists are extremely vulnerable in these situations. The valuable assistance ITAS provides to victims and their families in stressful situations is to be commended,"
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