A wave of harassment, vile abuse, shoplifting and other crimes has hit Ireland's shops and supermarkets.
A Prime Time Investigates programme last night shone a spotlight on how shop workers across the country say they are experiencing a surge in harassment, physical attacks, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.
One of the retailers featured was Clarkes Convenience Store and Service Station in Ballina.
Proprietor Sheila Clarke says that a lot of the offenders are getting younger and one of the main problems is that there is no repercussions.
She says the losses are cumulative and retailers hands are tied as they are not in a position to put in a dedicated security staff on the premises.
Sheila has been giving more details about the increase in theft and criminal behaviour to Midwest Radio's Michael D. McAndrew.
