A €54m Christmas spree for shoplifters as retail outlets targeted
There has been a significant surge in the theft of luxury items, including designer-label clothing, expensive cosmetics, and toys, with some “stolen to order”, according to the Irish Small & Medium Enterprises association.
It warned retailers to be extra vigilant during the Christmas period as shops throughout the country are being increasingly targeted by shoplifters and organised gangs.
Isme said evidence indicates that retailers are twice as likely to be victims of shoplifting over the Christmas period, as the level of crime rises due to the greater opportunity afforded by crowds and larger stocks.
It said two thirds of all retail outlets will be targeted by shoplifters over the Christmas period, with over 75% experiencing more than one incident.
“For 2014, we estimate that Christmas losses in Ireland in the six weeks from mid-November to end-December will be as high as €54m, a rise of 5% on the 2013 figures,” the group said yesterday.
Chief executive Mark Fielding said: “There is no doubt that shoplifters see the Christmas period as the ideal opportunity, as there are bigger crowds in stores, more stock on shelves, and an increase in temporary staff who may not have the experience to identify shoplifters. This is why retailers are twice as likely to be targeted over the festive season.
“At Christmas, shoppers buy more goods than they do at similar periods in other parts of the year and a percentage of shoppers certainly try to get the ultimate bargain, which is to pay nothing at all.
“Others purchase stolen goods from thieves, probably aware that the items have been obtained illegally, but thereby helping to promote the business of crime. Other goods will be stolen by organised gangs and retailed out by local operators or sold on to no-questions-asked buyers.”
Isme found that shoplifting almost trebled at Christmas time compared to the rest of the year. Friday and Saturday are the peak days for the crime.
Small and medium retailers are pinning their hopes on a bumper Christmas to rescue a dire trading year.
However, shoplifters could put smaller stores completely out of business.
“Alcohol, electronic goods, phones, cosmetics, clothing, and food products are the most common items targeted by thieves, causing huge financial damage to retailers up and down the country,” said Mr Fielding.
Isme recommends that retailers take a number of steps to combat the rising level of crime against their business: n Good store management, including staff communications and training; n Regular liaison with Garda Crime Prevention Office; n Good stock controls, ensuring that management is aware of stock levels at all times and in a position to notice “shrinkage”; n Adequate security measures which include CCTV and in-house security officers.
“While business owner-managers have a significant role to play in combating shoplifting through adequate security precautions, staff training and general vigilance, the ultimate responsibility to prevent, apprehend, adequately prosecute, and punish those responsible for perpetrating criminal acts rests with those in charge of law enforcement,” Isme said.
- €9m per week lost to retailers over festive season.
- Retailers twice as likely to be targeted over Christmas period.
- Two-thirds of all shops to be victims of shoplifters during Christmas.
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