SOME €150,000 worth of goods are being stolen from shops every hour this Christmas, according to Isme, the small and medium enterprises association.
Isme has warned retailers that one in two shops will be targeted by shoplifters during the Christmas and New Year period and said retailers were twice as likely to be targeted at this time.
The association says shoplifting cost retailers more than €250 million annually and €40 million over the Christmas season alone.
Isme's head of research, Jim Curran, said shoplifting also led to "huge" indirect costs.
"For instance, there is a significant disruption to business activity, poor staff morale leading to absenteeism and increased management time devoted to dealing with the aftermath of shoplifting incidents.
"Alcohol, electronic goods, toiletries, clothing and food products are the most common items that are targeted by thieves, who are causing huge damage financially to retailers up and down the country," Mr Curran said.
"The association has also noticed a significant surge in theft of luxury items, including designer labelled clothes."
Mr Curran said losses to business as a result of shoplifting could add up to 3 per cent on the price of the end product.
Dundrum Town Centre said it had not noticed a sudden rise in shoplifting attempts in recent weeks. Head of marketing Jayne O'Keeffe said the centre had very vigilant security measures and it increased security at busier times to cater for larger crowds.
Liffey Valley shopping centre manager Denis O'Connell said he had not noticed any unusual trends.
Shoplifting was a problem for retailers everywhere.
"We have a fairly tight security policy in the centre and we have a consistent team of guys here," Mr O'Connell said. "We have seen no noticeable change or no increase in any particular section."
While retailers had a significant role to play in combating shoplifting through security measures and staff training, Mr Curran said that the ultimate responsibility rested with those in charge of law enforcement.
The association also highlighted the need for increased staff communications and training, improved stock controls and regular contact with the Garda crime prevention office.
