Posted by Worker threatened with knife and crowbar calls for more gardai on Talbot Street
Dublin Live spoke to several businesses located on Talbot St after tourist Stephen Termini was injured following an attack last wee
A worker who was attacked on Talbot St has called on Gardai to address growing violence in the area.
American tourist Stephen Termini was hospitalised following an attack on the city centre street last week. He remains in Beaumont Hospital and risks losing an eye following the ordeal.
Dublin Live spoke to several businesses on Talbot St in the wake of Wednesday night’s attack. Many agreed that anti-social behaviour has worsened considerably in the past few months.
The manager of coffee shop Laine My Love recounted her own harrowing experience from a robbery this year. Aimee was opening up the popular cafe when she was confronted at the till-point.
She told Dublin Live: “I was threatened with a knife and crowbar. Gardai come in here all the time for free coffees but it took them 35 minutes to arrive at the time of my attack.”
The manager explained she took time off following the distressing incident. A security guard now helps Laine My Love staff set up each morning to avoid repeat occurrences.
Aimee has worked in the area for four-and-a-half years. An increased Garda presence on Talbot St did not emerge after last week’s attack, she alleged.
Aimee added: “All the businesses around here are fearful of different situations presenting themselves. I don’t think I’ve seen a Garda in uniform walking around at any point today.”
Iceland was a major retailer on Talbot St prior to its sudden closure last month. Staff have occupied the shop since June in ongoing protests over pay
Former Iceland worker Donna Grimes said shoplifting often occurred in store but workers generally didn’t feel threatened by anti-social behaviour. Female staff have slept overnight on the shop floor as part of the ongoing occupation.
Meanwhile, Amy James from Murray’s Pharmacy agreed that a stronger Garda presence was needed due to a spate of anti-social behaviour. She said that staff are particularly concerned for the wellbeing of elderly customers.
Amy said: “People joke all the time about not going down to Talbot St but there is definitely a sense of weariness in the area now. We feel very protective of people, such as the elderly and tourists, around here. Violence has built up over time.”
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