15 arrested and charged as gardaí crack down on retail theft

The investigations relate to thefts from multi-national retailers, local chain stores as well as local independent retailers within the Dublin 7 community.

As part of the Day of Action, Gardaí from the Bridewell Community Engagement Area have engaged with over 60 retail outlets, to raise awareness around crime prevention.

A total of 26 charges are being brought against those arrested in this phase of the investigation.

Three people have already been brought before the courts on foot of bench warrants.

A total of 15 people (12 males and three females, aged from their 20’s to their 40’s) are scheduled to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice tomorrow, Wednesday 14th May 2025, at approximately 10.30am.

Investigations are ongoing.

Operation Táirge is part of An Garda Síochána’s Crime Prevention and Reduction Strategy supporting operational activity aimed at detecting and preventing Organised Retail Crime (ORC).

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 co-ordinated and well-organised by people who recruit others to commit theft from retailers.

Operation Táirge is led by the Organised Retail Crime Tasking and Co-ordination Group within An Garda Síochána and supports each Garda region to monitor and respond to emerging trends in their area.