Call for visible after-hours garda presence in Limerick city as retail premises targetted

A LOCAL councillor has called for a more visible garda presence in the city centre’s shopping streets after a number of retail premises were targeted.

Fianna Fail’s Azad Talukder was speaking after meeting with traders in the William Street area whose premises were hit in the last month.

“These are very small businesses. Most of these people have families to feed. They work hard themselves, and at the same time are paying rates and taxes. It’s hard for them,” the councillor said.

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Gardai have confirmed to Limerick Live there was one burglary incident at a commercial premises in William Street between Friday, July 11 and Monday, July 14 last.

“A number of items have been reported as stolen. A technical examination of the scene was conducted. Investigations are ongoing,” a spokesperson for the force said.

Officers also confirmed a second incident of criminal damage at a commercial premises which took place overnight between Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12.

It’s understood a number of other incidents have taken place at shops in William Street in the past few weeks.

“These are random thefts in the city. It’s a very scary thing. Sometimes people will come to an area to rob one shop, and they might then go to other places,” he said.

In some cases, Cllr Talukder said no items are taken - but damage done to retail properties still leaves traders counting the cost.

“They are damaging the property. And that costs a business owner as it forces them to close the shop. Fixing the damage costs a lot of money,” he said.

He believes the shops are being targeted through the rear, the assailants using laneways behind William Street.

“The gardai need to patrol the area more. They need to be more visible in the streets of the city centre. Not only in the daytimes - these incidents are taking place in the early hours of the morning,” Cllr Talukder concluded.