One hundred percent of retailers have experienced some form of crime over the past year, from shoplifting and employee theft to gang intimidation according to a new survey.
The retailer survey carried out by ShelfLife Magazine suggests that 89% of retailers feel the crime they’re experiencing is becoming more dangerous, representing a greater threat to both the business itself and its staff.
This comes as ShelfLife launches its new campaign, in partnership with the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA), ‘Stop Crime Against Retailers’.
The campaign calls for “immediate Government action” to address the rise in crime retailers across the country report experiencing.
To that end, the CSNA has listed a number of “urgent” measures it would like to see implemented, such as stronger legal protections for retailers, part of which would see amendments to defamation law.
The association also wants to see more stringent law and order measures, including the introduction of Antisocial Behaviour Orders and night courts to handle retail crime in a swift and effective manner.
Direct access to local Garda stations, rather than relying on 999, is requested, as are “enforced standards” for Garda response times.
The CSNA also wants a streamlined process for the quick return of stolen goods to help businesses recover their losses.
CSNA Chief Executive, Vincent Jennings said that while retailers are the “backbone” of their communities, they are facing “unprecedented levels of crime that threaten their livelihoods”.
“We are calling on the government to act immediately. This isn’t just about theft; it’s about the safety of our business owners, staff, and customers. It’s time to introduce stronger protections.”
Similarly, ShelfLife publisher, John McDonald said that retailers are facing “a crime epidemic, from shoplifting to violent assaults on staff”.
The government must act now to ensure faster justice and stronger protections for businesses that are integral to our communities,” he said.