Justice Minister visits Kildare town amid rising retail crime concerns

Fianna Fáil Senator for Kildare South, Fiona O’Loughlin, welcomed Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan to Newbridge last week to see first-hand the challenges local Gardaí and business owners are tackling when it comes to retail crime and anti-social behaviour.

During the visit, Minister O’Callaghan and Senator O’Loughlin spent time at Newbridge Garda Station, meeting with local officers who outlined the pressures they face in keeping communities safe.

Gardaí spoke about the increasing demands on resources and the rising incidents of shoplifting, as well as the importance of stronger supports and updated legislation to help them better protect both businesses and residents.

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The Minister and Senator O’Loughlin also visited several local businesses, where owners shared their concerns about the growing impact of shop theft on already tight margins. In addition, they highlighted persistent issues with anti-social behaviour in the town centre, noting its direct effect on both staff wellbeing and customer safety.

Minister O’Callaghan acknowledged their concerns and stressed the importance of Garda visibility, noting that while increased patrols have made a difference, further support is needed. He committed to raising the matter directly with the Garda Commissioner and expressed his intention to explore the possibility of increasing Garda numbers at Newbridge station to better meet the needs of a growing and busy town.

“Every town has its own unique challenges,” Senator O’Loughlin said. “It’s crucial that ministers are on the ground, hearing these experiences directly, so they can legislate with a real understanding of what’s happening.”

Retail crime is on the rise nationally, with CSO figures showing shop thefts have jumped nearly 47% over the past decade. Gardaí report a sharp increase since 2024, with over 8,000 shop thefts reported in just the first three months of 2025, resulting in nearly 2,000 arrests and more than 4,750 charges or summonses.

“Retail crime is not victimless,” O’Loughlin warned. “It drives up costs for businesses, which trickle down to families through higher prices, at a time where they are already struggling. We have to draw a line.”

The Senator also voiced strong support for the Protection of Retail Workers Act 2025, introduced by Fianna Fáil colleague Senator Mary Fitzpatrick. The bill aims to amend the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 to create specific offences for assaulting, threatening, harassing, or abusing retail workers while they are carrying out their employment.

“Our retailers are a cornerstone of our towns. They deserve protection, and this legislation is an important step in ensuring they feel safe and supported in their workplace.”