Cork retailer losing up to €1,000 a week on alcohol theft but increased Garda presence now taking effect

The high visibility policing in Cork is acting as a deterrent for thieves

Mon, 02 Mar, 2026 - 16:30

Martin Claffey

Alcohol theft remains a scourge for Cork city centre businesses with one retailer losing up to €1,000 a week but the city's high visibility Garda presence in Cork city centre is starting to see a reduction in shoplifting for retailers.

The news comes on the back of Europewide survey which found alcoholic drinks ranked as the most shoplifted product in Irish supermarkets. The research collated by Spanish security firm STC across 15 countries found alcohol ranked among the top five most stolen products in nearly all surveyed countries and was the most stolen item in Ireland, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Belgium.

In Cork, alcohol theft remains a huge burden on retailers. Kevin Herlihy, who with his brother Brian runs four city centre Centra stores on Patrick Street, Oliver Plunkett Street, Grand Parade, and North Main Street, with further stores in Bishopstown and Mallow.

Mr Herlihy, a former president of the Cork Business Association (CBA), said the four city centre stores in particular continue to be regularly targeted for alcohol theft.

"Alcohol theft remains a big issue. Every day stuff is taken - wine, beer, alcopops," said Mr Herlihy. "Unfortunately, theft and security is now built into the business model, the very same as having a guy working the deli. The security bill for the four city centre stores now is €250,000 a year. Each store could see about €150 to €250 stolen a week."

Meat is another high value target for thieves. Last week, Mr Herlihy's Bishopstown store suffered a €560 loss to theft of meat and other items including washing powder. "I know the multiple retailers are putting up with untold grief," said Mr Herlihy.

While shoplifting remains a serious issue, Mr Herlihy said the high visibility policing plan in Cork city is having a positive effect, curbing incidents of theft. Gardaí in the city launched the policing plan for the city in late November, with 23 additional gardaí assigned to the operation every day, with 11 gardaí during daytime hours and 12 at night. "The Garda presence on the street is commendable, and very much appreciated by businesses. It's definitely a deterrent," said Mr Herlihy.

The CBA said the increased gardaí on the streets of Cork are making a huge difference. The CBA has also been instrumental with Cork City Council in the creation of city centre wardens, with four staff working in consultation with gardaí.

The European research on retail theft by STC found alcohol was the most shoplifted product in several European supermarkets. Health and beauty products ranked second overall, followed by meat, chocolate, and coffee. Most shoplifting in Europe was committed for resale, with thieves targeting high-value, branded and gourmet products.

Self-checkout tills were identified as the most vulnerable area for retailers, with companies investing in security cases and bottle collars to curb losses.

The study covered Albania, Andorra, Belgium, Croatia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands and Britain, representing a combined population of 387 million people.

Theft patterns reflected local consumer preferences, with Iberian ham and olive oil most stolen in Spain, beer in Belgium and Finland, bakery and pastry products in Germany, chocolate and sweets in Britain and coffee the most stolen item in France and the Netherlands, where meat also ranked among the top three.