Dublin City Centre Coercion: Teens Arrested for Targeting Vulnerable Adults

Vulnerable Adults Targeted in Dublin City Center

A wave of unsettling incidents has gripped Dublin City center this week, leaving a community shaken. Vulnerable adults have been targeted and coerced into withdrawing money, prompting swift action from Gardaí who apprehended two teenage girls in connection with these disturbing crimes.

Reports emerged of individuals being approached by the two girls and taken to ATM machines to withdraw funds. One notably harrowing account was shared on RTÉ’s Liveline by Ruth Spurling. She described how her 23-year-old son, Joshua, who has Down syndrome, was targeted.

“Two girls approached joshua in a shop and took his card to a machine in the shop,” Spurling explained. “The manager intervened, but the girls waited for Joshua outside and brought him from Aston Quay to the GPO. They withdrew €500 and made five more attempts to get more money in different amounts. They held him for around 30 minutes and demanded he buy them food.”

Spurling’s account, echoed by other reports, paints a disturbing picture of the vulnerability of these individuals and the brazenness of the perpetrators. Another vulnerable adult reportedly had approximately €700 taken from their account.

Gardaí launched a thorough inquiry into these “serious” incidents, which occurred on Monday and Tuesday of this week. The offenses involved taking individuals to cash points and retailers, where they were coerced into making meaningful purchases and withdrawing large sums of cash that were later stolen.

The Serious Crime Unit at Pearse Street Garda Station apprehended the two female juveniles in relation to these incidents. Both are currently detained at a Garda station in Dublin under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act,allowing for questioning for up to 24 hours.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who believes they or someone they know may have been a victim of a similar incident in Dublin City Centre in recent days to contact Pearse Street Garda Station at 01 666 9000.

Protecting the Vulnerable: A Call to Action

These incidents raise critical questions about how to effectively support vulnerable adults and prevent such incidents of coercion and exploitation within our communities.

Detective Chief Inspector Fiona O’Brien, of the Serious Crime Unit at Pearse Street Garda Station, spoke with Archyde about the ongoing investigation and offered vital advice for citizens:

“These are serious offenses that prey on the most vulnerable in our community. Our investigation is ongoing, but it’s clear that the perpetrators targeted individuals who were easily identifiable as needing extra support. We are working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the safety of our citizens,” said Detective Chief Inspector O’Brien.

Archyde: Detective Chief Inspector O’Brien, these incidents are notably disturbing. Can you shed light on the modus operandi of the perpetrators? How did they target these vulnerable individuals?

Detective Chief Inspector O’Brien: “The approach is often subtle at first. The perpetrators usually befriend the individual, perhaps showing them a false sense of compassion or gaining their trust. They then manipulate them into going to ATMs or shops, where they coerce them into withdrawing significant amounts of cash or making purchases. In some cases, the victims were also pressured into buying food or other items for the perpetrators.”

Archyde: One harrowing account shared by a mother on RTÉ’s Liveline described how her son with Down syndrome was held for nearly 30 minutes and coerced into withdrawing €500. How are Gardaí working to prevent such incidents in the future?

Detective Chief Inspector O’Brien: “We are increasing patrols in areas where these incidents have occurred and raising awareness amongst vulnerable individuals and their families. We encourage people to be vigilant, trust their instincts, and report any suspicious activity immediately. We are also collaborating with local organizations that support vulnerable adults to provide them with additional safety tips and support.”

Archyde: These incidents highlight the importance of recognizing the signs of coercion and exploitation. What advice would you give to our readers on how to identify and protect vulnerable individuals in their communities?

Detective Chief inspector O’Brien: “be observant and look out for unusual behavior. If you see someone who appears distressed or is being pressured by someone else, don’t hesitate to intervene or contact the Gardaí. Even seemingly small gestures, like offering companionship or checking on a neighbor who seems isolated, can make a significant difference. Remember,together,we can create a safer surroundings for everyone.”

how can family and community members effectively support vulnerable individuals and help protect them from exploitation?

Protecting the Vulnerable: A Call to Action

Detective Chief Inspector O’Brien on Gardaí’s Response to Vulnerable Adult targeting

Archyde: Detective Chief Inspector O’Brien, these incidents are notably disturbing. Can you shed light on the modus operandi of the perpetrators? How did they target these vulnerable individuals?

Detective Chief Inspector O’Brien: “The approach is often subtle at first. The perpetrators usually befriend the individual,perhaps showing them a false sense of compassion or gaining their trust. They then manipulate them into going to ATMs or shops, where they coerce them into withdrawing critically important amounts of cash or making purchases. In some cases, the victims were also pressured into buying food or other items for the perpetrators.”

Archyde: one harrowing account shared by a mother on RTÉ’s Liveline described how her son with Down syndrome was held for nearly 30 minutes and coerced into withdrawing €500. How are Gardaí working to prevent such incidents in the future?

Detective Chief Inspector O’Brien: “We are increasing patrols in areas where these incidents have occurred and raising awareness amongst vulnerable individuals and their families.We encourage people to be vigilant, trust their instincts, and report any suspicious activity immediately. we are also collaborating with local organizations that support vulnerable adults to provide them with additional safety tips and support.”

Archyde: These incidents highlight the importance of recognizing the signs of coercion and exploitation. What advice would you give to our readers on how to identify and protect vulnerable individuals in their communities?

Detective Chief inspector O’Brien: “be observant and look out for unusual behavior. If you see someone who appears distressed or is being pressured by someone else, don’t hesitate to intervene or contact the Gardaí. Even seemingly small gestures, like offering companionship or checking on a neighbor who seems isolated, can make a significant difference. Remember,together,we can create a safer surroundings for everyone.”