Gardaí issue advice to retailers ahead of Christmas shopping

DONEGAL Divisional Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Fergus McGroary has said preventing retail crime and keeping staff and customers safe is a priority for local gardaí.

Sergeant McGroary made his comments as he was addressing a Business Watch Seminar in Dillon’s Hotel on Wednesday last, which was attended by a number of local business owners and managers.

The informative evening was hosted by Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce in partnership with An Garda Síochána.

CEO at Letterkenny Chamber, Toni Forrester, said the event was a “good time to start the conversation” ahead of Christmas shopping.

Speakers at the Letterkenny Business watch at Dillon’s Hotel were from left Community Garda Sgt Sharon Doherty, Letterkenny Chamber Commerce President Jimmy Stafford, CEO Toni Forrester, Paul Gallagher , Fergus Mc Grory and Patrick Mc Glynn.

Sergeant McGroary said local gardaí are aware of trends among offenders, which they target in a bid to reduce thefts from businesses.

He said it is important that business owners have measures in place to protect both their premises and their staff.

“Shoplifters may respond aggressively if you approach them, so having your own staff tuned in to what is going on will help ensure that a situation does not escalate. There’s safety in numbers as shoplifters will target stores where there’s a limited number of staff.”

Sergeant McGroary said CCTV, proper in store lighting and the use of a security guard are all advantageous in tackling shoplifting.

“If your store or premises has a panic button, use it or ring 999,” he said.

Personal safety must not be taken for granted when confronted with a shoplifter, urged Sergeant McGroary.

“Display calmness when you are engaging with a shoplifter. Keep the suspect in your sight at all times. Staff members have no power to search a person suspected of stealing from their premises. In this instance, staff must contact gardaí immediately.”

An Garda Síochána say that burglary and vandalism are ongoing security concerns for retail and commercial premises. Crime can also act as a serious barrier to economic development. Direct losses arising from theft, or attacks on property and vandalism, can undermine or risk the viability of many businesses.

An Garda Síochána’s Bureau of Community Engagement runs a number of initiatives and programmes helping businesses protect their premises, goods, and assets. Retailers looking for further information are urged to download the Retailers Security Information Pack via www,garda.ie which contains helpful information on the popular ‘Business Watch’ scheme, various theft reduction and prevention strategies, CCTV, and a Retail Security Guide.