RGDATA Crime survey reveals an epidemic of crime against retailers in Ireland
The latest RGDATA Crime survey reveals an epidemic of crime against retailers in Ireland. The survey comprising responses from over 250 retailers from across Ireland highlights the scale of the loss and level of threat facing retailers, with alarming instances of increased violence and threats of violence against shop owners, their staff and families and customers.
The key findings of the survey reveal that;
• Over 90% of retailers were victims of crime in the last 12 months
• The most common types of crime reported were;
o Shoplifting (97%)
o Burglary/Robbery (16%)
o Fraudulent Activity/Counterfeit Goods (37%)
• A variety of weapons were used against retailers, including meat cleavers, knives, firearms, iron bars, hatchets, syringes and screwdrivers and well as physical assaults without weapons (punches, slaps, spitting and kicks).
• While 43% of retailers were satisfied with the Garda response to the reporting of retail crime, the majority (57%) were dissatisfied, with common complaints including;
o Poor response times – over 24 hours in a number of instances
o No follow up to a report of a crime
o No availability from local stations – calls being banked at a Call Centre
o Directed to an online portal to report the crime
o No indication that criminals are pursued despite reporting crimes and providing evidence (statements & CCTV footage)
Some other relevant comments from respondents include;
o Crime levels are impacting on staff retention – people are increasingly afraid to work in shops.
o Shoplifting is not taken seriously by the Gardai – they don’t feel it is worth pursuing a shoplifter
o Criminals have become more volatile and aggressive with shop workers.
o Repeat offenders are a real problem – sometimes multiple times in a single day.
o Judicial system is very cumbersome – and it can take years for a prosecution to proceed. And there is a real sense among retailers that even if the Gardai do prosecute an offence, all too often the judges are too lenient on retail crime.
o Thieves are more mobile now – using the motorway network to hit stores in rural areas.
o There is a fear of being sued for defamation if you approach someone you believe may be attempting to steal goods.
o Crime levels from juveniles is a real problem – especially children between 12 and 15.
o There are also instances of children being coerced by adults to steal in shops
o People thieving from shops believe that they are untouchable and believe that the Gardai will not come after them.
o Retail crime is causing untold stress and anxiety for retailers and staff in shops, in addition to the costs and losses involved.
In response to heightened crime levels, retailers have taken a number of measures, all of which add significantly to operating costs, including
• CCTV Installation/upgrades: 43%
• Other Security Measures: 23%
• Alarm Upgrades: 10%
• Security Tags on High-Value Items: 7%
• Security Personnel: 7%
• External Shutters: 2%
RGDATA Director General, Tara Buckley commented that the results of the survey should be a real wakeup call for the Gardai and the Government and called for a new effort and additional measures to address the scourge of retail crime.
“This survey highlights the epidemic of crime against retailers, which is causing themfinancial loss, mental anguish and actual physical harm in some instances. Our members are doing their utmost to tackle these issues but we need both the Gardai and the Government to up their game.”
“The Gardai need to improve their response times and to dispel any sense among offenders that some crimes are regarded as inconsequential and will not be prosecuted. From the victims’ perspective there is no such thing as a petty crime.”
“The Government need to introduce a targeted range of measures to tackle retail crime including;
• A mandatory barring order for any person convicted of robbing from a shop – that person should be legally prohibited from going back into the shop for a defined period.• A new specific offence concerning the intimidation or harm of retailers and their staff – this is being introduced in the UK.
• New Fixed Penalty Notices for a person accused of a retail crime, as an alternative to prosecutions.
• A new mechanism for offenders to reimburse retailers for the cost of any goods that they have stolen and methods to enforce such repayments.
• Mandatory stronger sentences for repeat offenders.
• A portal to allow retailers to see the progress of any cases reported to the Gardai.
• A local retail crime hotline in each Garda Divisional area.
• Rapid implementation of legal protections for retailers against the threat of defamation when seeking to preserve their stock or order in their stores.”
Buckley concluded “While the problems reported by retailers are deeply concerning, there are a range of solutions and measures that can be taken to address the challenges. These need to be tackled as a matter of urgency and RGDATA will be seeking a swift response from the Gardai and the Government in the coming weeks.”
