An Garda Síochána launch initiative targeting organised retail crime

An Garda Síochána has launched the 'Operation Táirge' initiative to detect and prevent Organised Retail Crime (ORC). 

The initiative will use an intelligence-led approach to identify criminals to identify prolific groups in operation. It will support retail workers in strengthening their security and reporting crimes.

Gardaí aims to identify and target areas where OTC black markets operate and their leadership and will work with high-risk retailers to enhance prevention, investigation and prosecution.  

Organised retail crime (ORC) typically refers to situations where a number of persons are acting together, targeting retailer outlets to steal significant quantities of goods to resell back into the retail supply chain through the black market.  

It can also involve refund fraud to make a financial or material benefit. ORC is usually coordinated and well-organised by people who recruit others to commit theft from retailers.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee T.D said, "An Garda Síochána is taking a strategic approach to this issue. Under the National Detection Improvement Plan, An Garda Síochána will provide a reliable and effective and consistent response to retail related incidents, and ensure that high visibility and targeted patrols are effectively implemented."

The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association estimates retail crime costs retailers over €1.62 billion each year. 

Additionally, the Global Retail Theft Barometer indicates that Ireland has the highest cost per capita of retail crime (€339.31) - significantly more than both second and third-placed countries, Iceland and Denmark.