Store-owners demand action on 'unprecedented levels of crime' impacting their businesses
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Retailers across the country are experiencing “unprecedented levels of crime” which is threatening their livelihoods, a new survey reveals as store-owners call for an increased garda presence and Government intervention.
The survey, conducted by retail magazine and the Convenience Stores and Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA), comes as retailers launch a new campaign at an event in Dublin to highlight the issues they are facing.
The survey found every retailer who participated has had experience with criminal activity in the past year, ranging from shoplifting and violent robbery to employee theft and gang intimidation. In addition, 89% of retailers feel these crimes are becoming more dangerous.
Shoplifting was the most common crime reported, with 94% of retailers saying they have been victims of the crime, while 50% of stores have experienced theft from their own employees. Over half, 56%, said they have encountered issues with gangs and groups.
One of the main issues retailers brought up was the lack of policing, with 88% reporting no visible Garda presence in their area and 67% expressing dissatisfaction with Garda response times.
Of those surveyed, 76% said they had experienced financial losses, with 36% saying it exceeded €10,000 in the last year. The survey was conducted on members of the CSNA.
Chief executive of the CSNA Vincent Jennings said retailers were facing “unprecedented levels of crime that threaten their livelihoods”.
The CSNA is calling for stronger legal protections for retailers, including around defamation, the introduction of night courts, the use of anti-social behaviour orders, and a streamlined process for the quick return of stolen goods to help businesses recover their losses.
In terms of retailers dealing with gardaí, it is looking to be able to directly contact local Garda stations rather than going through 999, as well as enforced standards for response times.
Publisher of Shelflife John McDonald said crime against retailers was “like a runaway train and there's no way to stop it. Retailers feel powerless to tackle criminals head on for fear of litigation”.
"Investing in extra security measures within premises is not enough and the general consensus is that retailers desperately need more protection,” he said.
At the event, Garda chief superintendent Padraic Jones said they have an ongoing operation called Táirge targeting crime perpetrated on retail stores.
"I do appreciate the incidents where people have had a frustration. There are also quite a number of incidents where operation Táirge has been successful.
“Our job is to try and raise awareness around that,” he said.