€155k in goods ‘stolen every hour’

Shoplifting is expected to cost retailers €44m over the festive period — with about €155,000 worth of goods being stolen every hour.

A study by small firms lobby group, ISME suggests the direct cost of shoplifting to retailers will amount to €220m for 2012, with €44m occurring over the Christmas season alone.

“Criminals see the Christmas period as the ideal opportunity; with larger crowds in stores, more stock on shelves, and an increase in temporary staff who may not have the experience to identify shoplifters,” said ISME chief executive, Mark Fielding.