Eoin English reports:
The justice and data protection ministers have been asked to change data protection laws to help gardaí tackle shoplifting crime.
It follows a 27% spike in shoplifting offences in the Cork City garda division in recent months — the first increase since 2008 in shoplifting offences in an area which includes the city centre and large retail hubs in Blackpool, Mahon Point, Wilton, Douglas, and Ballincollig.
Chief Superintendent Michael Finn described the increase as “significant”.
City councillors, who were briefed on the latest crime figures, have now agreed a motion calling on Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald and Data Protection Minister Dara Murphy to review and amend legislation which prevents gardaí sharing with retailers specific intelligence on known, repeat, prolific, and convicted shoplifters.
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