Shoplifting has reached “astronomical” levels, according to the chief executive of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA), Vincent Jennings, adding the practice is not a victimless crime.
"Vile, misogynistic and racist" levels of abuse were being experienced by retail staff, he told RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland, adding he is concerned about the ability of the sector to retain workers.
Mr Jennings, who will appear before an Oireachtas Committee on Wednesday to discuss the matter, dismissed claims that the growth in shoplifting was as a result of the rise in the cost of living. "That’s the greatest load of bunkum going," he said.
People are not being pushed into stealing because of poverty, he argued, claiming they are organised criminals who are stealing in order to resell.
"Most worryingly, children were now being used in the belief that they could not be prosecuted," he said, adding that Tusla needs to be involved.
Asked if the thieves were armed, Mr Jennings said that very often their physical presence and the sense of menace was enough of a threat to staff. There is also "most certainly" an element of racism involved, he claimed.
The issue is not just a problem in cities, he said, noting it is happening all over the country. It is widespread and has now reached "astronomical proportions", Mr Jennings added.
He said shop owners have also been disappointed by the response of gardaí, with some claiming they had been asked by officers why they did not have their own security staff, or if they had complaints to "take it up with the politicians or with Drew Harris".
"We want it to be acknowledged at long last that shoplifting is not a victimless crime," Mr Jennings said.
