THERE have been 251 incidents of organised retail crime in the Letterkenny Garda District so far this year.
The figures have been released by Gardaí locally as they issue advise to retail commercial businesses in the busy shopping period in the run up to Christmas.
The number of organised retail crime offences in the Letterkenny district represents a 57 per cent increase and is now at the highest level it has been in five years.
Sergeant Paul Wallace, Divisional Crime Prevention Officer based at Letterkenny Garda Station, said these criminals are organised and are targeting retail outlets during opening hours focusing on high value items which have seasonal demand.
These include primarily high value toys, games, electrical goods, fragrances and alcohol.
The peak days for organised retail crime is Saturday with activity peaking between 2pm and 5pm with 48 per cent of incidents occurring during these hours.
“They are determined individuals and are focused on gaining access to selected products,” said Sgt Wallace.
“Retailers are requested to brief staff at commencing of the trading day to be focused, vigilant and alert in the area of the targeted items.
“Staff should proactively engage with customers offering assistance but at all times remaining vigilant. Attention should be focused on the peak times.
“Managers of Commercial Premises i.e. Warehouses, Rural filling stations and shops are advised to review security arrangements and surveillance equipment in order to ‘target harden’ their premises and increase its ability to withstand robust criminal attack.
“Business persons are also advised to agree a protocol with local Gardaí on responding to Intruder Alarm Activations on their premises.”
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)