Moment pickpocket caught red-handed trying to rob distracted tourist at Dublin-New York Portal

This is the moment a pickpocket was caught red-handed as he tried to rob a distracted tourist at the Portal.

The street thief was in operation at the Dublin-New York Portal, among a crowd of sightseers . He can be seen moving in on one man , whose attention was grabbed by the big screen that links North Earl Street to Manhattan .

The pickpocket hides his hand before sliding it into his target's jacket pocket. But he is caught when the man realizes what is happening and turns around to confront him.

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The intended victim - a visitor from the US - told the Irish Mirror how he was watching a charming moment live on the Portal, when he felt someone picking his pocket. He said: "Everyone was watching the screen as someone in Dublin was talking to a friend in New York on the phone, while they could see each other on the portal."

"Then I felt something at my pocket and turned around and caught him in the act. He was a bit sloppy, or else I might not have known. He didn't get anything, but it was unnerving and felt like a violation. I gave him a piece of my mind and then everyone else there realized what was happening."

Bystanders took pictures and video of the petty thief, as he fled the scene. The intended victim reported what had happened to the Portal security guard on duty.

The incident - which happened last month - shows how the Portal is easy pickings for opportunists.

It's the ideal hunting ground for pickpockets as unsuspecting tourists congregate near O'Connell Street, distracted by the large screen and less vigilant of their belongings.

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A representative from the Garda Press Office stated: "Any person who has observed, or received material which purports to show any criminal activity - including images and video footage - is urged to report it to the local Garda station and make it available to investigating Gardai ."

"Please visit Garda.ie for crime prevention advice, including theft prevention."

According to garda crime prevention tips: "Some areas are more prone to crime than others. Busy shopping thoroughfares with many people will always attract thieves. Conceal your wallet or purse. Carry only as much cash and cards necessary for your day's business."

Dublin City Council, in collaboration with the international art collective Portals.org, initiated the portal project. Requests for comments from both Dublin City Council and Portals.org went unanswered.

The Dublin to New York Portal, which launched in May this year, quickly became mired in controversy and had to shut down within a week due to inappropriate behavior on both sides.

An individual from the Irish contingent displayed video footage of the Twin Towers ablaze during the 9/11 attacks , while an adult model exposed herself to spectators and subsequently shared it on social media. The venue reopened a few days later with new protocols in place, including designated operating hours and the deployment of security personnel.

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