Clare Gardaí say extra patrols will be mounted on the county’s towns this week, in the lead up to Christmas.
It comes as concern has been expressed about a recent spate in shoplifting incidents in Ennis.
The busiest period of the shopping calendar is getting underway in earnest, but while retailers are welcoming the boost in business, they’re also being faced with issues that present themselves at this time of the year.
The past two weeks in particular are said to have been bad for shoplifting incidents around the county town.
Patrick Bourke of Patrick Bourke’s Menswear in Kilrush and Ennis says those responsible know exactly how to operate.
However, Clare Gardaí have moved to reassure both retailers and members of the public that they will be out in force in the coming weeks.
Last December saw 19 shoplifting incidents reported in Ennis – that’s a rise of 5 of the same period in 2016.
Clare’s Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Tríona O’Rourke is urging shop owners to report all incidents of shoplifting, no matter how small they may seem.
She says extra patrols will be seen between now and Christmas and has this advice for those in business.
