Retail Forum hosted by Minister Jim O'Callaghan and Minister of State Alan Dillon to address Retail Crime Prevention
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From: Department of Justice
- Published on: 7 May 2025
- Last updated on: 8 May 2025
Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan and Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Alan Dillon have today hosted the Retail Forum at the Department of Justice in Dublin.
Forum members were asked by the Ministers to share their experiences of retail crime and its impact on their businesses, staff and customers. Retailers’ experiences and recommendations expressed at today’s Retail Forum will help inform the ongoing development of a new Retail Crime Strategy – a key commitment in the Programme for Government 2025 to tackle retail crime.
Members of An Garda Síochána also provided an update to the Forum on its dedicated operations targeted at retail crime including the ongoing ‘Operation Táirge’. This nationwide operation works on reducing organised retail crime by using an intelligence-led approach to identify criminals engaging in retail crime.
Minister O'Callaghan emphasised the government's commitment to addressing retail crime:
“I am acutely aware of the personal and economic impact that retail crime is having on businesses, shop workers, families and communities. I have consistently stated that retail theft is not a victimless crime.
"I am pleased to meet members of the Retail Forum to hear their views on the government’s upcoming Retail Crime Strategy. As a government we are determined to tackle retail crime with a coordinated approach in order to deliver effective measures.
“The Programme for Government also commits to updating the Public Order Acts to exclude prolific offenders of retail theft from premises and in tackling retail defamation.
“The government’s community safety strategy and the roll-out of Local Community Safety Partnerships in each local authority area across the country this year will also help to address these issues in the longer term.
“A central priority for me as Minister is to ensure more gardaí are on the streets. By doing this we can deliver safer and more secure communities.”
Minister Dillion added:
“Retail crime poses a significant threat to our local businesses and communities. By working together and implementing a comprehensive Retail Crime Strategy, we can create safer environments for both retailers and consumers. The government is committed to supporting our retail sector through targeted actions and enhanced cooperation with An Garda Síochána. Together, we can ensure that our retail spaces remain secure and vibrant hubs of community life.”
Notes
Retail Forum
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment holds a Retail Forum on a quarterly basis with retailers and representative bodies, hosted by the Minister of State with responsibility for Small Businesses and Retail.
This provides an opportunity to discuss key issues of importance with key stakeholders in the sector. An Garda Síochána is typically asked to provide an update on retail crime matters at each forum.
Operation Táirge
Operation Táirge, launched by An Garda Síochána in December 2023, has achieved substantial success in disrupting organised retail crime with 8,460 arrests made and 20,052 charges or summons in the year to 30 November 2024.
High-value stolen goods, including vehicles, have been recovered, and multiple individuals have been charged and appeared in court as part of ongoing investigations.