Retail Excellence says crime is on the rise
An event hosted by Retail Excellence this week informed TDs and Senators of the scourge of crime that is on the rise and affecting retailers across the country in myriad ways
Print31 March 2017
Retail Excellence, the largest retail representative body in Ireland, hosted a briefing this week for members of the Oireachtas, outlining the issues of crime affecting the retail industry.
The group, consisting of TDs and Senators and hosted by FF spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Senator Aidan Davitt, heard how retail crime is on the increase and how enforcement is a matter of concern to retailers. They were informed of how organised gangs are flying into Dublin for the weekend to steal phones, and also the case of a thief who was stealing goods to order using internet advertisements.
“It is tempting to look at retail crime in convenience as a vicious cycle,” said Lorraine Higgins of Retail Excellence, “but we need to break that cycle by fully utilizing existing legislation and better enforcement to ensure proper deterrents are in place. Too many forces are slow in reacting to incidents. Because of this Retail Excellence wants the impact of retail crime on owners and shop staff to be higher up the political agenda.”
Higgins added that retailers are getting organised to fight the scourge of crime. “Retail crime is costing millions every year,” she said, “and stiffer penalties need to be introduced to act as a deterrent, particularly for anyone convicted of assaulting retailers or their staff.
“We need the state agencies to respond to incidents, investigate and deal with the myriad of issues facing our members.”
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