Retailers warned about defamation

CRIMINALS are ‘entrapping’ retailers into accusing them of shoplifting so they can sue them in the courts for defamation, a former garda chief has warned.

Security consultant Tom King, an ex-assistant commissioner, said retailers should not act unless they are certain the suspect has taken something without paying.

“If one staff member says they saw a customer taking something without paying for it and they say they are sure but without any conviction, that’s a dangerous situation,” said Mr King.