Shoplifters are set to steal €9 million a week from Irish retailers over the Christmas shopping period, according to the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME).
The retail representative group has warned retailers to be extra careful during this time as businesses are often targeted by gangs.
ISME has estimated that retailers are twice as likely to experience shoplifters at Christmas as a result of bigger crowds and larger stocks, with over 75% experiencing more than one instance of theft.
ISME Chief Executive, Mark Fielding said, "There is no doubt that shoplifters see the Christmas period as the ideal opportunity, as there are bigger crowds in stores, more stock on shelves and an increase in temporary staff, who may not have the experience to identify shoplifters. This is why retailers are twice as likely to be targeted over the festive season." Fielding said that alcohol, electronic goods, phones, cosmetics, clothing and food products are the most common items targeted by thieves.
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Genna Patterson
{loadposition ri16122014}
