U.S. Embassy issues security advisory … in Ireland

Americans flock to Europe during summer vacation months. There is a new security advisory coming from the U.S. Embassy in Ireland that urges Americans to “exercise good personal security practices when traveling.”

What seems to have prompted this advisory is an incident on July 19. An American tourist from New York received “life-changing injuries” in an attack in Dublin’s inner north city neighborhood. This attack was the latest in a string of violent attacks in the past few months that have shaken the city. Victims have been hospitalized with serious injuries.

An overhaul in city law enforcement is being called for now. Three separate incidents were reported in which victims were hospitalized just days after the attack on the American.

In response to recent violent attacks, the U.S. Embassy has issued advice to visitors. Safeguard valuables like credit cards and passports, and don’t carry large amounts of cash. Be aware of their surroundings, especially unfamiliar or crowded places, empty streets, and at night. Don’t walk alone during nighttime hours. All of this, though, sounds like common sense for visitors to any tourist destination. Or any city anywhere, really. I would give that advice to a tourist visiting my own city.

Is crime suddenly up in a city like Dublin? A recent story reports that 98% of tourists feel safe in Dublin. Sure, there are dangerous areas in the city, but Ireland’s capital is relatively safe. This article offered a guide on where dangerous areas are and some advice. The advisory from the embassy does not note specific areas to avoid.

The advisory issued by the U.S. Embassy does not mention specific areas in Ireland where travelers should exercise increase vigilance, but it’s worth noting that all of the violent attacks reported in Irish media have taken place in Dublin. However, Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar made comments referring to similar events in other Irish cities during talks on how to increase police presence, hiring more officers, and whether or not to arm existing ones (specific law enforcement task forces in Ireland are armed, but, similarly to many European countries, patrol officers are not).

Additional advice issued in the U.S. Embassy advisory included more of what I would call common sense advice.

Other suggestions include looking up locations before traveling, to avoid the urge to stare at a mobile phone while walking in public areas. Travelers are also warned to limit the use of earbuds or headphones to help maintain situational awareness, keep a low profile, and be mindful of alcohol consumption. Baggage is also a frequent target, and the embassy advises against leaving bags unattended in restaurants, pubs, hotel lobbies, and parked cars, noting that thefts typically occur at crowded tourist sites, airports, car rental offices, buses, trams, trains, and railway stations.

Varadkar noted that the majority of the attack victims are Irish citizens. However, when violent attacks happen against tourists – like the American and the attacks reported by three Ukrainians – there is an increase in global media attention that is uncomfortable for the city. Tourism and the dollars that industry generates decline if people thinking of planning a trip there are confronted by reports of violence and crime.

The local embassy has issued the safety advisory but the State Department has not changed the advisory level for Ireland. Its rating remains at Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions. Other European destinations are at Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution. Those places include the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and The Netherlands.

Americans are advised to contact local authorities as soon as possible if they are victims of violent crime. U.S. embassies and consulates can help American citizens with legal representation and general information about legal processes. Embassies monitor for reports of crime against Americans

This security advisory by a single U.S. Embassy just seems odd. It offers legit safety advice but, frankly, it’s the advice any traveler should take to heart. None of the concerns seem like new ones, especially for visiting a large city. Women travelers, in particular, have been given this advice for years. It’s common sense. Keep aware of your surroundings, keep close watch of valuables, don’t be flashing cash around and inviting theft, and if anything happens, turn to the embassy for help. Of all the places in Europe, I didn’t expect a security advisory about Ireland, specifically Dublin.