An Garda Síochána has commenced ‘Operation Táirge’, supporting operational activity aimed at detecting and preventing Organised Retail Crime (ORC).
Under ‘Operation Táirge’ Gardaí nationwide will work on reducing organised retail crime by:
- Using an intelligence-led approach to identify criminals engaging in retail crime
- Disrupting the most prolific groups in operation through the use of organised crime legislation and proceeds of crime legislation
- Working with retailers to strengthen their security and prevent them becoming victims of this criminality
- Supporting those working in retail to report a crime
- Identifying and targeting the areas where ORC black markets operate, and their leadership
- Working with high risk retailers to enhance prevention, investigation and prosecution
- Deterring people from becoming involved in organised retail crime by raising awareness of the consequences of committing such offences.
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 with the purpose of making a financial or material benefit.
ORC is usually coordinated and well-organised by people who recruit others to commit theft from retailers. The stolen goods are then sold to what is known as a ‘fence’ who then either sells them at a particular location or in some cases may sell them online in an activity known as ‘e-fencing’.
The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association estimates that 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.
Operation Táirge is led by the Organised Retail Crime Tasking and Coordination Group within An Garda Síochána and supports each Garda region to monitor and respond to emerging trends in their area. As is often the case in organised crime, organised retail crime can involve an international dimension, therefore the co-ordination group is also maintaining its close working relationships with counterparts including the UK and Northern Ireland.
For more information on how Mercury Systems can revolutionise your retail security, reach out to them today:
Phone: 01-835 9885 or 01-835 9897
Email: info@mercurysystems.ie