Retail Excellence Ireland (REI) has warned that urgent action is needed in order to deal with an increase in retail crime.
The largest representative body for the retail industry in Ireland issued its request in light of statistics from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) released today.
The CSO reported that theft and related offences have risen by 12% since last year.
Nearly half (46%) of the national increase was due to a growing number of thefts from shops.
However, REI noted that while this is a significant issue, the statistics fail to account for antisocial behaviour faced by retail staff.
‘Something Needs To Be Done’
The chief executive of REI Jean McCabe said, “The statistics from the CSO back up what we’re hearing from our members on a daily basis; that the retail industry is increasingly being targeted by criminals across the country.
“These actions by a small minority have a highly negative effect on retailers and their customers, and something needs to be done to reverse what is a very worrying trend.”
McCabe also highlighted the impact of antisocial behaviour on retailers.
“These figures from the CSO don’t take into account the daily instances of antisocial behaviour that retailers are experiencing.
“These have a knock-on effect on staff and customers, and will lead to less footfall at a time when retailers are struggling hugely with the myriad of costs of doing business.”
She concluded, “We would hope and expect that our incoming Taoiseach will follow through on making law and order in Ireland one of his top priorities.”
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