Garda operation to support Limerick retailers

A NEW garda operation will look to address retail crime, an ongoing problem for both retailers and employees in Limerick.

Operation Táirge will see gardaí across the country focus on Organised Retail Crime (ORC).

Gardaí will use an intelligence-led approach, among other strategies, to identify criminals engaged in retail crime.

According to Fine Gael senator Maria Byrne, ORC refers to situations where people act together to target retailers to steal significant quantities of goods.

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“These are not victimless crimes. We know many local retailers in Limerick operate on tight profit margins. In the run up to the busy Christmas trading period, they need certainty that their stock is not at risk of theft. Similarly, employees want assurance of a safe workplace,” Senator Byrne added.

As part of this operation, gardaí will collaborate with retailers to strengthen their security, prevent them from becoming victims of this criminality, and support those working in retail to report a crime.

They will target areas where ORC black markets operate, intending to tackle their leadership.

Gardaí will work alongside high-risk retailers to enhance prevention, investigation, and prosecution.

They will also aim to deter people from becoming involved in organised retail crime by raising awareness of the consequences of committing such offences.