314% increase in shoplifting in Kildare recorded between 2003 and 2024
There's been a dramatic increase in regional shoplifting incidents over the past 20 years.
Kildare has seen the biggest rise, with a 314 per cent increase between 2003 and 2024.
That's followed by Tipperary, at 227 per cent, Wexford at 207 per cent and Clare at 191 per cent.
Ireland South MEP, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, is calling for a number of steps to be taken to tackle the issue:
"Number one, mandatory prison sentences for anyone caught shoplifting on more than one occasion.
Number two, to update the public order acts, to allow a prolific offender of retail crime to be excluded from apprentices for a certain period of time.
We need support for targeted guard operations to tackle retail crime and remove assets from those who are suspected of organized retail theft."
Vincent Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association, which is based in Naas, says a tough crackdown is needed.
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