Shoplifting is a massive problem for retailers. Call it what you like, shoplifting, retail theft... it’s stealing, plain and simple.

It has been an issue forever, but despite the use of CCTV, security systems and door staff, it seems to be worse today than it was 40 years ago. And more costly too.

One of my first jobs as a young garda back in 1980s Dublin was dealing with a shoplifter in Stillorgan Shopping Centre. She was a young teacher who took a few small items she didn’t even need, which confused me at the time. I later learned that this wasn’t uncommon, and it was often a cry for help.

Another lady, who was very wealthy in her own right, and was also married to a senior bank worker, was caught stealing a chicken from her local supermarket. She was hardly in desperate need of food so there was clearly something else going on there too.

In both of these cases, the property was returned to the store, so nobody was out of pocket, and their cases were dealt with sympathetically.

The women were unlikely to become prolific thieves, and it was anticipated they would resolve whatever issues were at the root of their uncharacteristic behaviour.

On the other hand, there are people with addiction problems who treat shoplifting as a source of income. They steal on a daily basis to feed their habit and often use violence when confronted.

Threatening or assaulting retail workers has grown to such an extent that some retailers may even prefer to let thieves........

© Evening Echo