A shop in Shankill is giving away free rape alarms to customers in the wake of a number of alleged attakcs on women in the area.
Gardaí addressed a public meeting in Shankill, Dublin on Thursday night amid growing concern over a series of alleged attacks on women in the area.
Three attempted sexual assaults have been reported since December and are said to have occurred near the Dart station in Shankill between 4.30pm and 10pm.
The incidents were described locally as attempted attacks and nobody is believed to have been seriously hurt.
Gardaí issued an appeal on Thursday for information “in relation to a number of reports of alleged sexual assaults on females”.
“In each case a lone male approached a lone female and an assault took place,” gardaí said in a statement. “A number of statements have been taken and numerous lines of enquiry are currently being conducted together with CCTV and house to house enquiries.”
The incidents prompted a protest by local residents at Shankill Garda station on Wednesday.
High Spec Tech, an electronics repair shop in Shankill, posted on its Facebook page about the offer.
“Due to the recent spate of attacks on women in the Shankill and Killiney areas, we have received a stock of 50 personal rape alarms,” it said.
“We are giving these away free of charge to our female Facebook friends. Simply pop in and request one. We will try our best to get our hands on more, but as it stands, these are of limited stock so please be quick.
“Ideally these should go to women who use Killiney and Shankill train stations, or walk alone frequently in these areas, so please only request one if absolutely necessary.”
Gardaí are asking any witnesses or people with information to contact them at Shankill station on (01)6665900, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.