CLARE Gardaí are urging young men to use their brains rather than their fists as incidents of assault reach their highest since 2008.
“We are urging young males to think of the consequences for themselves and others of being involved in assaults. Don’t be that guy, use your brain and not your fists,” said Clare Crime Prevention Officer Triona O’Rourke.
She stated that the vast majority of assaults that occur are needless and avoidable, with most incidents carried out by and against males aged between 18 and 34.
Sgt O’Rourke confirmed that most assaults occur in the early hours of Sunday morning.
She advised the public to never attempt to reason with a drunk or aggressive person, but to walk away and seek help instead.
Sergeant Graham Kavanagh from the National Crime Prevention Unit encouraged victims of assault to report all incidents to the Gardaí .
“Some victims of assaults, particularly men, are embarrassed to say they have been assaulted. I would encourage anybody, and in particular younger men, to report all assaults to An Garda Síochána. Anyone who has been assaulted will be treated with sensitivity by An Garda Síochána and it will be fully investigated,” said Sergeant Kavanagh.