Rise in shoplifting prompts crime prevention advice from gardai for store owners

A SHOP in Saggart is to receive crime prevention advice by gardai, after a spate of shop-lifting at the premises.

According to the latest garda crime statistics for the Rathcoole policing district, theft from shops has more than doubled this year – 11 incidents in 2022 and 25 so far in 2023.

Speaking at the recent JPC Policing Meeting, Clondalkin Chief Superintendent Michael McNulty, said it “is concerning” and mentioned “particularly one store in Saggart.”

“We will provide a crime prevention officer into that store to see if they can tighten up processes and make it less attractive to shop-lifters. All incidents relate to minor shop incidents.”

Public order incidents increased from 15 to 25 this year in Rathcoole, which represents a “good response” in terms of gardai engagement the area, according to the Chief Supt.

As for Rathcoole Garda Station, Chief Supt McNulty said they open it for “as often and long as we can.”

“That is dictated by numbers, and as the commissioner said, if we want to have more than we actually have, we do the best with what we can. I’m quite happy that the service we give in Rathcoole is the best we can give with the numbers we have.

“As we get more and more people out of Templemore, and as allocations are increased, I hope to sign more people to Rathcoole as well.”

Meanwhile, theft from shop incidents in the Clondalkin policing district is 47 in 2023, down from 64 in 2022.

Ronanstown has 117 recorded theft from shop incidents in 2023, down from 209 last year. Lucan saw an increase in theft from shops to 59 this year, from 44 last year.

Tallaght had the highest theft from shops in 2023 with 611, followed by Rathfarnham with 186 incidents.