15 held over Dublin robberies after petrol poured on to shop counter

Cillian Sherlock, PA

Two children are among 15 people who have been charged in relation to a number of robberies across north Dublin.

Gardaí said some of the offences involved violence, with offenders using weapons such as knives and sharp implements, inducing fear and panic among victims.

In one case, petrol was poured on to a counter in a shop to invoke fear.

The targeted premises were all commercial, varying in business type.

The arrests are part of Operation Tairge, which is focused on detecting and preventing organised retail crime.

The operation has led to the arrest of 15 people connected to 20 incidents, resulting in 23 charges being brought before the courts.

The investigation is continuing, with further arrests and charges expected in the coming weeks.

Gardaí said the nationwide operation is using an intelligence-led approach to identify people involved in retail crime, disrupting the most prolific groups and working with retailers to strengthen security and prevent them becoming victims.

Organised retail crime is where a number of people act together, targeting outlets to steal significant quantities of goods to sell back into the supply chain through the black market.

It can also involve refund fraud with the purpose of making a financial or material benefit.

The stolen goods are then sold to a “fence” who either sells them at a particular location or in some cases may sell them online in an activity known as e-fencing.

In a statement this week, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said: “Retail theft is not a victimless crime, and I welcome this new nationwide operation targeting organised retail crime.

“I know from my engagement with the retail sector across the country, not only about the economic impact of thefts on our retail sector, but also the significant impact this type of crime has on staff retention, recruitment and personal safety.”

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

The Global Retail Theft Barometer indicates that Ireland has the highest cost per capita of retail crime at €339.31.