Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and to collect information about how you use this site to improve our service to you. By not accepting cookies some elements of the site, such as video, will not work. Please visit our Cookie Policy page for more information on how we use cookies.

Accept All Cookies Necessary Cookies Only Manage Cookies

Crime Prevention message - Purchasing event tickets & Safety while attending events over summer.

On this month’s Crimecall, Sergeant John Fitzpatrick was in studio and provided Crime Prevention information in relation to Purchasing event tickets & Safety while attending events over the summer.

With many high profile events coming up over the summer months, An Garda Síochána are advising the public to be vigilant and safe while attending events - plan your route to and from events, be respectful and follow instructions given by Stewards or Garda personnel on site.

An Garda Síochána would also like to remind people when purchasing event tickets to use official channels, such as the event website or an official ticketing agent. There were 3,315 incidents of fraud associated with the purchase of tickets for events reported between 1st January 2022 and 12st June 2025.Most notably 2023 had the highest reporting of such incidents - approximately 50% higher than 2024 and approximately 90% higher than 2022.

The Sale of Tickets (Cultural, Entertainment, Recreational and Sporting Events) Act 2021 amongst other regulatory requirements places certain obligations on ticket sellers to provide information and has made it illegal to sell tickets for certain events or venues for more than face value. Sellers of tickets may face criminal prosecution if breaching these requirements.

Purchasing Tickets for Events:

When purchasing tickets for events this summer, some useful tips are:

  • It is best to purchase from official websites, such as the event website or official ticketing agent.
  • Check the rules for reselling tickets of the event. Before you purchase the second hand ticket, check the official ticketing site and be aware of the rules around second hand tickets.
  • Avoid unverified sources, second or third party resellers.
  • Be wary of individuals selling tickets on social media, be cautious of new profiles with little or no activity advertising tickets for sale or unverified websites.
  • Verify the ticket from the information provided. Remember e-tickets can be reprinted.
  • If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is. Do not feel pressured into making a quick purchase you’re unsure about.
  • Other red flags to look out for; urgent demands for payment, lack of information, requests for payment in online currency or transfer to a bank account outside the jurisdiction, seller only communicating via instant messaging apps.
  • Always pay in a way that is traceable and/or refundable and ensure that any online payment systems are reputable and secure (Check for HTTPS. Look for the ‘lock’ symbol beside the website URL). In general, do not pay via a method you are not familiar with.
  • Do not provide your bank/card details to an individual online.
  • There is no guarantee that tickets bought from unauthorised sources will be valid and you may not find out until you arrive at the venue and unfortunately turned away.
  • If you think you may be the victim of a scam or fraud or have given out your bank or card details you should contact your bank or card provider immediately and report to An Garda Síochána.

Personal Safety:

Remember when you are going out to PLAN and be Streetwise:

  • Plan your night out, how you are getting there and back?
  • Let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be back
  • Have your phone fully charged and consider use of a portable power bank
  • Consider sharing your live location from your phone with a friend or family member
  • Avoid walking alone in dark areas
  • Never attempt to reason with intoxicated or aggressive people and be

Streetwise - get to know the locality and the surroundings, and mind your valuables.

It’s a good idea to input emergency contacts on your phone and activate the find my phone on your device. Keep a record of your IMEI number (Dial *#06# to get it). Screenshot the image of barcodes and email the image to yourself. This may help us return your device to you if it’s located or handed in.

Vehicle Safety:

If you plan on using your own vehicle to get to your events this summer, Park Smart some useful tips are:

  • Park where there is CCTV, when possible.
  • Park under streetlights or in a secure carpark.
  • A visible steering wheel lock or chain can deter would be thieves.
  • Leave expensive property at home or work, if not required.
  • If you must leave valuables in a vehicle, do not leave them on show - A good idea is to leave an empty glove box open, showing would-be criminals that there is nothing for them to steal.
  • Lock doors and fully close windows. Don’t be tempted to leave the windows slightly open.
  • Fit an alarm and or an Immobiliser or use a physical lock.
  • Install a tracker.
  • Use a catalytic convertor lock.
  • Fit theft-resistant number plate fittings.

Public Transport:

If you plan on using public transport to get to your events this summer, some helpful tips are:

  • Plan your route in advance
  • Wait in busy, well lit areas. Avoid isolated bus stops, especially when dark
  • On an empty bus, sit near the driver
  • On a train, sit in a compartment where others passengers are
  • Move if you feel uncomfortable – use reporting tools available for non-urgent matters
  • Report any incidents to staff / An Garda Síochána.