The Convenience Stores and Newsagent's Association has called on the Government, Gardaí and judiciary to follow a zero tolerance policy when dealing with crime in the convenience store and newsagent sector.
A survey by the CSNA, which represents over 1,500 members, found that retailers face security risks including "aggressive, violent and threatening behaviour," "shoplifting," and "begging" at their jobs.
Almost 85% of those surveyed reported at least one incident "involving aggressive, violent and threatening behaviour." Meanwhile 43% of retailers who reported security risks had faced an incident within the month leading up to the survey.
The report was published to coincide with the CSNA's National Conference, which took place in in the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel in Dublin today.
The 24-page report also cited the "insufficient, ineffective and unenforced legislation" meant to protect retailers as indication of an overall "lack of support" for retailer safety.
87% of those survey found such legislation to be inadequate.
Marcella O'Neill, National President of the CSNA, placed retailers' security risks in the context of the larger economic atmosphere.
"The aggressive, violent and threatening behaviour of some customers is just one aspect of our day to day business," Ms O'Neill said.
"When combined with ever increasing insurance premiums, security costs and staff shortages, all security matters, the burdens that fall on the shoulder's of our country's retailers is just too much."
Vincent Jennings, CEO of the CSNA, echoed Ms O'Neill's concerns and said anti-social behaviour in the retail sector affected more than just retailers.
"[The industry is] worth over €7bn to the Exchequer, employing almost 285,000 people, over 72% of whom are outside of the Dublin area providing key services all over the country," he said.
"We demand zero tolerance from the Gardaí, the courts, the Department of Justice and our elected representatives nationwide," Mr Jennings said, "and action is required with immediate effect."
