This article is from page 2 of the 2011-08-16 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
RURAL shopkeepers are being urged to increase their security measures, after a shop in west Clare was targeted by shoplifters over the weekend.
A shop in Cree village was targeted on Sunday, when cash and cigarettes were stolen after a young sales assistant was distracted.
Two women went into the shop at around 6pm. One of the women distracted the sales assistant, while the other went behind the counter.
The shopkeeper then confronted the duo, but they denied doing anything wrong and quickly left the scene in a van that had been parked nearby.
Gardaí say they have obtained clear CCTV footage from the premises, which they hope will help to solve the crime.
The women are described as being in their late 30s and were around 5’ 7” or 5’ 8” in height. One had blonde hair with black streaks and wore a pink coat and black hat. She had a mark over her right eye.
The other woman wore a pink or red jacket and grey leggings with a red hat with white trim. It is believed that they are not local.
Gardaí say the amount of cash stolen was not substantial, but in the wake of similar incidents in Feakle and Flagmount in recent weeks, they are warning shop owners to ensure their security measures are adequate.
“This is most unusual. We looked at the adjoining counties but nothing of this nature seems to have occurred,” said the head of the Clare Garda Division, Chief Superintendent John Kerin.
“I would be confident enough that we would identify those involved from the CCTV,” he added.
He is advising shop owners to “keep small amounts of money in the till; keep it cleared regularly and have good CCTV that covers all areas of the shop”.
“Make sure you are not distracted,” he said.
Anyone with information on the Cree incident should contact Kilrush Garda Station on 065 9051017.