Retailers encouraged to fund addiction support for serial shoplifters

Kenneth Fox

Retailers are being encouraged to help fund addiction support for serial shoplifters who are stealing to fund their drug use.

A meeting involving a business group, Dublin Town, heard that it is one approach being taken in the UK as part of efforts to reduce retail theft.

‘Business Crime Navigators’ work alongside British police to link repeat offenders with the right treatment services.

Speaking to Newstalk, Richard Guiney from Dublin Town, says they are open to ideas on how to help curb shoplifting: "We need to address some of the background factors that give rise to crime and anti-social behaviour."

"We really need to address those issues if we want a long-term solution to theft."

The organisation already works with gardaí to help curb crime in Dublin city centre. They said it is vital that visitors, workers and shoppers feel the city centre is a pleasant place to spend time.

They said they are committed to working with the gardaí and other groups to ensure that the city centre is a safe place to socialise, shop and do business.

In particular, they said they are focused on the issue of anti-social behaviour and the way in which it impacts our members’ businesses and people visiting the city.

They are urging their members to continue reporting any crimes or incidents of anti-social behaviour that they may witness or experience in their business or area.

This will ensure that as many perpetrators as possible are brought to justice and the area becomes a safer place.

They lobby on behalf of their members’ business interests with regard to issues that may directly and negatively impact the safety and security of the area.

They work closely with the Gardaí in both Pearse Street and Store Street Stations. They also regularly organise briefings on crime and fraud prevention and liaise with the community Gardaí to provide support to their members where needed.

DublinTown represents its members on the Joint Policing Forum.

The forum, which meets monthly, brings together Gardaí, politicians and representative bodies to discuss issues relating to the policing of the city.