Urgent Call for Government Action
Stop Crime Against Retailers Campaign
Campaign Aim:
To raise awareness and drive government action on the increasing crime against retailers across Ireland, including issues like drive-offs, staff theft, violence, and slow Garda response times.
This campaign aim was to advocate for legislative changes to protect retailers and create a safer working environment.
The Campaign:
The Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association (CSNA) in association with ShelfLife in October 2024 launched the “Stop Crime Against Retailers” campaign, calling for immediate action from the government. The campaign was unveiled at an event in Fallon & Byrne in Dublin, marking the beginning of an urgent nationwide appeal for stronger legislative protections and improved Garda response times.
At the event the CSNA, in partnership with ShelfLife, highlighted the devastating impact that escalating crime is having on businesses and their employees. According to a recent ShelfLife survey, 100% of Irish retailers have reported being victims of criminal activity in the past year, with crimes ranging from shoplifting and violent robberies to employee theft and gang intimidation. Over 70% of retailers have also experienced significant financial losses due to these criminal acts.
Vincent Jennings, CEO of the CSNA, emphasised the critical nature of the situation: “Retailers are the backbone of our communities, yet they are being systematically undermined by escalating crime. This is not just about theft—it’s about the safety of our staff, our customers, and our businesses. We need the government to take action now to protect those who are central to our local economies.”
Key Findings from the Survey
- 100% of retailers surveyed have faced some form of crime in the last 12 months, including shoplifting, violent robbery, break-ins, and extortion.
- 67% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with Garda response times, leaving businesses vulnerable for extended periods.
- 88% reported no visible Garda presence in their area, further emboldening criminals. • 76% of retailers have experienced financial losses, with 36% reporting losses exceeding €10,000 in the past year.
- 73% say illicit trade is severely impacting their businesses, particularly in the tobacco sector.
- 94% of retailers have been impacted by shoplifting, and over 50% of stores have experienced employee theft.
- 56% of retailers have encountered issues with gangs and groups, contributing to a hostile and unsafe environment for both staff and customers.
The launch event was attended by over 100 retailers and key figures including Emer Higgins, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and Padraic Jones, Chief Superintendent of An Garda Síochána, the CSNA outlined five urgent actions needed to combat the rise in crime:
Five Urgent Asks from the CSNA
- Stronger legal protections for retailers, including defamation law amendments.
- The introduction of ASBOs and night courts to handle retail crime swiftly and effectively.
- Direct access to local Garda stations for faster, rather than relying on 999 for a more effective crime responses.
- Enforced standards for Garda response times to support retailers in a timely manner.
- A streamlined process for the quick return of stolen goods to help businesses recover their losses.
Retailers at the event also voiced their concerns about the growing dangers to their businesses and staff. One independent store owner shared, “Criminals have no fear anymore. CCTV is no longer a deterrent, and we are facing daily threats to our safety. We need real consequences and stronger protection.”
John McDonald, Managing Director of ShelfLife, added, “The government must act now. Retailers are facing an epidemic of crime from violent assaults on staff to organised shoplifting rings. It’s time for the government to ensure that justice is served swiftly and businesses are properly protected.”
CSNA’s Commitment to Action
The CSNA remains committed to advocating on behalf of its members, representing over 1,500 retailers across Ireland. This campaign is part of the CSNA’s ongoing efforts to secure better protections and support for the retail sector in the face of rising crime.
The “Stop Crime Against Retailers” campaign included a comprehensive range of resources designed to empower CSNA members and enhance their engagement with the issue. Members were provided with posters to display in their stores, which served as both a visual reminder of the campaign and a conversation starter with local councillors, TDs, and customers. These posters helped raise awareness within communities and served as an effective tool to encourage dialogue on the urgent need for stronger protections for retailers.
In addition, the campaign featured a social media kit that included key statistics and messaging, enabling members to share important information on their own platforms and further amplify the campaign’s reach. This allowed members to become active advocates for change within their local communities and across social media channels.
To ensure members stayed up to date with the progress of the campaign, the CSNA also issued regular email updates, providing insights into key developments, media coverage, and the ongoing efforts to address the rising crime rates affecting retailers.
Sample of Campaign Ad Placement
The campaign garnered significant national attention, reaching audiences through a wide range of media outlets. Coverage included major national news platforms such as RTÉ and Virgin Media, as well as prominent radio stations including RTÉ Radio and Newstalk. In addition to this, the campaign was featured in both national and local newspapers, helping to amplify the message and bring attention to the growing concerns of retailers across Ireland.
The campaign also received strong support from media outlets, who ran advertising across the country both in print (Sunday Independent, Irish Independent etc) and online. This strategic advertising partnership played a crucial role in further raising awareness of the issue, ensuring that the campaign reached an even wider audience and generating much-needed public discussion about the increasing threats faced by retailers.
We are actively collaborating with Government Departments and An Gardaí Síochana to address retail crime on behalf of our members. We will keep our members informed about our progress through updates in the weekly newsletter.
