The incidents occurred in Naas and Newbridge last week.
Retail Excellence Ireland (REI), the largest representative body for the retail industry in Ireland, has called for a major increase in Garda resources to address what is describes as "a nationwide retail crime spree."
Over the past two weeks, six retail units across the country, including two in Kildare, have been targeted by criminals who typically break into the premises by ramming them with a car before escaping with stolen goods.
These retail units are:
- Vodafone in Newbridge
- Eir in Naas (targeted twice in two weeks)
- Vodafone in Trim
- Eir in Bray
- 3 Mobile in Henry St, Dublin city
- Select in Galway city
These incidents have come on the back of the high-profile ramming of the Boss store on Dublin’s Grafton Street earlier this year.
Speaking today, Keelan Bourke, Head of Commercial with REI, said: “It is highly concerning to see this spate of robberies nationwide and unfortunately, retailers have not seen the requisite support from the gardai to date. A clear trend of criminality has emerged which needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency and we need to see additional Garda resources in the streets to help retailers in need.”
He said that retailers could not afford to be targeted in this manner. “Retailers are only just emerging from the toughest three years they’ve ever experienced, and these kinds of attacks could result in many retailers either going out of business or deciding to leave the Irish market. They also cause worry and anxiety for staff who may be concerned about being onsite either early or late in the day because of these incidents.”
Mr Bourke added that retailers in general had noted an increase in abuse against staff, and he urged the public to be kind and considerate to retail workers.
Anyone with any information on the burglaries in Newbridge or Naas is asked to contact their local Garda station.
€1.2m Approved For Zipline And High Ropes Adventure Centre At Donadea
Fury After Sallins Sunshine Club Misses Out On Funding As Other Counties Get Millions
Christmas Appeal To Adopt Dogs As Euthanasia Figures Rise
Speed Enforcement To Increase In Kildare With 21 New Camera Zones To Be Rolled Out In January
Over 400 Motorists Caught Speeding So Far Today, Including A Driver In Kilcock
Transport Minister In Discussions With Irish Rail About Extending Late-Night Trains Beyond Christmas
Bus Shelters Treated As Luxury Rather Than Standard, With 500 Kildare Bus Stops In Need Of Upgrades
Recruitment Announcements Don’t Add Up As Garda Numbers Stagnant In Kildare South, Says Local TD
