New garda operation to target organised retail crime

A new garda initiative to crack down on organised retail theft in the run-up to Christmas is being implemented in Westmeath.

Detective Superintendent David Nolan of Meath Westmeath Division has confirmed that Operation Táirge, which supports investigations into organised retail theft, is being implemented in this division. The operation was launched yesterday, Monday December 11.

Chief Superintendent Padraic Jones of the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau stated: “Organised retail crime (ORC) poses a significant threat to the viability of Irish retailers including small and medium enterprises, which are a core element of the economy.

“Gardaí are doing vital work in keeping our communities safe and Operation Táirge will play a key role in ensuring retailers and their staff are protected from organised crime and the harm that it can do to their business. We are sending a clear message that there is no place for retail crime in Ireland.”

In a statement, gardaí say Operation Táirge was established as part of their Crime Prevention and Reduction Strategy in an effort to reduce the effects criminals can have on retail businesses when they steal their goods.

“We want business owners and staff to feel protected and safe from this kind of criminality, and we will continue to work closely with them in whatever way possible,” said Chief Superintendent Jones. “Most essential is that we utilise our ongoing intelligence gathering to target and take out these groups – they’re no longer operating under any radar and they will be caught.”

The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association estimate that retail crime costs retailers €1.62 billion each year.

Additionally, the Global Retail Theft Barometer indicates that Ireland has the highest cost per capita of retail crime (€339.31), significantly more than both second and third placed countries, Iceland and Denmark.

Detective Superintendent Nolan asks all retailers in Meath and Westmeath to engage with gardaí on Christmas patrols in towns and villages, to work together to reduce retail theft this Christmas.

There is a 14% increase in incidences of organised retail crime offences so far this year, and business owners are particularly affected by this spike in crime in the run-up to the festive season.

The news that Operation Táirge is being implemented locally has been welcomed by Minister of State Peter Burke.

“Organised retail crime (ORC) refers to situations where people act together to target retailers to steal significant quantities of goods, which are then resold back into the supply chain through the black market. This cannot be tolerated and anyone who enters into a premises with the sole intent to steal must be dealt with accordingly” Burke explained.

“These are not victimless crimes. We know a lot of our local retailers in Westmeath operate tight profit margins and in the run-up to the busy Christmas trading period, they need certainty that their stock is not at risk of theft. Similarly, employees want to be assured of a safe workplace.

“I have been working with my Fine Gael colleagues, Ministers Helen McEntee and Neale Richmond to ensure our retailers are safe and in regular contact with gardaí.

“Operation Táirge aims to disrupt the most prolific groups in operation, through the use of organised crime legislation and proceeds of crime legislation, but a key part of the success of this strategic operation will be enhanced engagement with high risk retailers.

“Garda members in Westmeath will work with these retailers to help them identify suspicious activity, act on it, and make it known to investigating Garda members.

“Retail crime costs retailers in Ireland in the region of €1.62 billion each year. Business owners and staff must feel safe and protected from this kind of criminality.

“Ongoing intelligence gathering and working in partnership will be key for all of us to build stronger safer communities,” Minister Burke concluded.