Gardaí in Donegal have issued a warning and words of advice to retailers due to an expected rise in shoplifting this month.
As Christmas shopping season gets underway in local towns, there is also a greater risk of shoplifting incidents.
Gardaí wish to remind retailers of the procedure which should be followed in the event that they detect an incident of shop lifting in their store:
- The suspect should be kept in sight at all times.
- The staff member should be absolutely sure that a theft has taken place and that the suspect has the item stolen in their possession.
- It may be necessary to allow the suspect leave the shop to confirm that a theft has taken place. The suspect should not be approached until he/she passes the final cash point and heads for the exit.
- At this stage, the suspect should be approached, asked if they have forgotten to pay for the item(s) subject of the suspected theft and asked to come back into the shop to an interview room away from the view of other customers or staff.
- If possible two staff members should be involved in the process at this stage. The suspect should be given an opportunity to explain and produce the items involved. The staff member has no power of search and should call the Gardaí at this time.
- The staff member should record details of the incident, and the date and time in their notebook. When the Gardaí arrive at the scene they will then take charge and may arrest the offender if an offence is disclosed.
- All retailers should have a policy of prosecuting all identified shoplifters. It is one of the only deterrents available to them.
Should anyone wish to discuss security measures for their store/business then please contact Sergeant Paul Wallace (Divisional Crime Prevention Officer) at Letterkenny Garda Station on 074-9167100.
