Crime against retailers spikes in recession costing business €1.5bn

CRIME against retailers spiked dramatically in the past year as the recession led to an increase in theft and shoplifting costing business €1.5 billion.

A survey by the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME) of over 1,800 businesses highlights how crime against retailers is a major problem, showing a large increase from 44% in 2008 who were victims of crime to 63% this year.

“Theft by outsiders” was reported by 36% as the most common form of crime.