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Crime Prevention Message – Retail Theft

On this month’s Crimecall, Sergeant John Fitzpatrick was in studio discussing retail theft and Operation Táirge, an operation that supports operational activity aimed at detecting and preventing Organised Retail Crime.

In the year to date (to 20th of March 2024) there have been 6,772 “Theft from Shop incidents” reported to An Garda Siochána, this is an increase on the same period in 2023 of 6,288 reported incidents.

Theft from Shop incidents reported to An Garda Síochána very often have associated crime incidents reported, whereby a staff member may have been assaulted, threatened or had goods damaged.

For example, in the year to date (January to March 2024) there have been 49 reported Assault incidents, 54 Public Order Incidents, 19 Criminal Damage incidents and 13 Possession of Offensive Weapons incidents associated with Theft from Shop reports to An Garda Síochána.  

 

Working in the Retail Industry

Working in the retail industry can be a rewarding career and retailers provide an essential service to so many communities. All individuals involved in the retail sector deserve to work in a safe environment along with their customers.

Retail is generally a safe environment to work in; however, retail theft is not a victimless crime. Retail theft has an economic impact on the retail sector and it can also impact on the personal safety of retail staff who deserve a safe workplace. An Garda Síochána endeavour to support retail workers and assist businesses in preventing crime through positive engagement. An Garda Síochána also wish to raise awareness regarding the consequences associated with retail theft for the offender and the communities in which they operate.

An Garda Síochána are taking a strategic approach to address the issue of retail crime. The introduction of a new operation, Operation Táirge, will see An Garda Síochána provide reliable and effective high visibility and targeted patrols in addition to utilising an intelligence-led approach to identifying criminals engaging in retail crime. This will help to provide a safe and unhindered shopping experience for members of the public and retailers alike.

Operation Táirge

Operation Táirge is an operation that supports operational activity aimed at detecting and preventing Organised Retail Crime (ORC). The Operation has been established as part of An Garda Síochána’s Crime Prevention and Reduction Strategy in an effort to reduce the detrimental impact which criminals can have on retail businesses when they steal their goods.

Operation Táirge was launched in December 2023 by Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee T.D. and Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Neale Richmond T.D. The launch was also attended and supported by a number of retail representative groups.

Operation Táirge works on a nationwide basis, focusing on reducing organised retail crime through the following methods:

  • Using an intelligence-led approach to identify criminals engaging in retail crime
  • Disrupting the most prolific groups in operation through the use of organised crime legislation and proceeds of crime legislation
  • Working with retailers to strengthen their security and prevent them becoming victims of this criminality
  • Supporting those working in retail to report a crime
  • Identifying and targeting the areas where ORC black markets operate, and their leadership
  • Working with high risk retailers to enhance prevention, investigation and prosecution
  • Deterring people from becoming involved in organised retail crime by raising awareness of the consequences of committing such offences.

What can I do as a retailer?

An Garda Síochána encourages retailers to engage with Gardaí locally and report all incidents of retail theft along with associated incidents, e.g. antisocial behaviour.

A proactive step a retailer can take is to review the security and layout of their store. This can be carried out with the assistance of a Divisional Crime Prevention Officer.

Divisional Crime Prevention Officers are available to provide advice to retailers regarding their store layout and security. Crime Prevention Officer information can be found on the Garda website here:

https://www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/who-is-my-local-crime-prevention-officer-/

Information regarding “Protecting your Business” can also be found here: https://www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/protecting-your-business/

What can the Community do to support retailers if they see something suspicious?

  • Notify a staff member
  • Notify a security guard
  • Do not approach or engage with an individual who is acting suspiciously or committing a criminal act
  • In the case of an emergency, ring 999/112