Is there anything that I can do to prevent my premium from increasing? There are many actions with little or no cost that can be done. Tip 41 – Can I display pictures of shoplifters for all to see? It was recently said to me by a retailer that they believed that this is common practice but quite honestly I have my doubts which I hope are well founded. It is well known that shoplifting is costing retailers a vast amount every year and with margins as tight as they are this is incredibly frustrating. In short, this is a practice that must not ever be undertaken. To do so leaves one wide open to legal action for defamation of character from either the person themselves or another person who believes that they look like your accused. Remember – a court has the power to convict – you don’t! The cost of legal defence the amount likely to be awarded and the cost of yours and your employee’s time in court will run well over €20,000. One simple idea was suggested to me some time ago by my friend Dermot Harrington, our local Crime Prevention Officer. He said that when a retailer sees a person entering their shop who they either know or suspect to have been engaged in shoplifting on a previous occasion, give them a highly audible greeting. “Hello there – nice to see you again!” I believe that they just might think about going somewhere else where they are less conspicuous. Don’t be that “somewhere else”! Always remember – call us to discuss any/every incident. We will advise and guide you.