It’s claimed the town’s retailers will have to come together and establish an effective neighbourhood watch in order to prevent a worrying increase of organised pilfering from local stores.
It follows a number of incidents across Ennis service stations last week, including at O’Sullivan & Hansbury’s Daybreak on the Kilrush Road.
Last Thursday, a large group entered the premises and took a number of items from the dairy section before quickly leaving the premises without offering payment.
It’s understood the same group then targeted another store on the outskirts of the town centre later that evening.
According to the Manager of O’Sullivan & Hansbury’s these thefts are pre-meditated and target young staff who are often subject to intimidation and abuse.
Caroline Ryan claims up to three full bags of household goods are being stolen on a monthly basis by multiple groups and as a result shops are now considering employing full-time security to tackle the problem.
A local councillor is calling for culprits to be named and shamed in order to deter the illicit behaviour.
Between January and March alone, Clare Gardaí recorded 104 incidents of thefts from shop, an 8% increase on this time last year.
Clarecastle Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O’Callaghan insists a collective effort between shopkeepers and Gardaí is urgently needed to ensure small businesses become no-go areas for thieves.
You can listen to the full interview below.
