"We've always had shop lifters, but the problem has never been more pronounced as it is at present." That's according to John Foy of the well-known Supervalu store in Cootehill.
The local businessman who has been at the helm of the Cootehill store for the past 24 years, believes that the issue of shoplifting is only getting worse. According to the local store owner, concerns around threatening behaviour and violence towards retailers and shop assistants is only adding to the problem. Speaking on today's Joe Finnegan Show, Mr Foy believes that a lack of deterrent is causing the issue to grow, with a reduced Garda presence across villages and towns not helping the matter either. As a result, the local shop owner has called for further law enforcement and structures to be put in place in order to end this "free for all" mentality that is rife across the country.
"Technology is moving forward which will help retailers but the deterrent is not there. If you stop somebody shoplifting yet nothing will happen to them, then they will just keep coming back. It's taking off retailer's bottom line and causing them to consider their positions going forward."
Meanwhile, shoplifting has reached “astronomical” levels, according to the chief executive of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA), Vincent Jennings, adding the practice is not a victimless crime. Mr Jennings, who will appeared before an Oireachtas Committee on Wednesday discussed the matter, dismissed claims that the growth in shoplifting was as a result of the rise in the cost of living. "That’s the greatest load of bunkum going," he said.
People are not being pushed into stealing because of poverty, he argued, claiming they are organised criminals who are stealing in order to resell. "Most worryingly, children were now being used in the belief that they could not be prosecuted," he said, adding that Tusla needs to be involved.
