Thalia Heffernan has teamed up with Gardaí for a personal safety campaign, following her own terrifying experience being assaulted and mugged in Dublin.
Two years ago, the 22-year-old was the victim of a vicious mugging as she made her way to a modelling job on Mercer Street.
She was left traumatised following the incident and she took to Facebook to recount the incident to fans.
“There was nothing I could do to even attempt to defend myself, despite screaming and crying after them.” she wrote.
“I knew if I tried to fight back that it would end badly, and maybe even with me in hospital. Even now, a number of hours later, I’m still shaking writing this… No matter how hard you train or how well your capable of fighting your corner, young kids in gangs like this can render you completely useless. They’re ruthless and will do anything to get what they want.”
After experiencing a personal safety attack first hand, Thalia is eager to raise awareness about the importance of staying safe on the streets.
“As someone who was assaulted and had my bag stolen not that long ago, I know what a really frightening experience it is and how inconvenient it is to lose all your stuff.
“I never thought it would happen to me – and it did.”
The model is advising young people to mind their belongings while out socialising this month.
“Everybody likes to go out and have fun, but it’s also really important to mind yourself and your stuff when socialising.” she said.
“Avoid walking alone and take care of your property, particularly mobile phones and purses or wallets.
“Plan your night before you leave too – tell someone where you’re going and when you will be back. In short, be Streetwise!
“Whatever you are doing this month, make sure you enjoy yourself. Have fun but have a plan.”
Statistics from An Garda Síochána showing that three in four victims of phone theft are between 18 to 39 years of age, while three in every five thefts happen on a street, road or footpath.
