Retailers have been advised to ‘tread warily’ in terms of posting pictures on Facebook or other social media outlets of suspected shoplifters or robbers.
Over recent weeks, some shop owners have posted images of suspected shoplifters – taken from CCTV cameras on their premises.
However, Gardai have advised retailers to immediately report any suspicious activity to them and to offer the investigating officer the opportunity of looking at any relevant CCTV footage.
“Posting images of suspected shoplifters on social media is certainly something we would strongly advise against.
“There are data protection issues here – and there is also the possibility of mistaken identity. It is never a good idea for anyone to be taking the law into their own hands.
“Of course, good CCTV footage is extremely helpful in investigating crime but it should be used as part of a Garda investigation,” a Garda spokesman told the Galway City Tribune.
There are also concerns that the publication of CCTV images could potentially prejudice a prosecution.
Earlier this week, two city retail outlets posted good quality pictures of suspected shoplifters on Facebook accompanied by an appeal for information on the individuals concerned.
According to one of the posts, the shoplifters involved were a couple of non-Irish origin – the shop owners asked anyone with information on the suspects either to contact the shop or the Gardai.
In another separate post – involving a mobile phone theft also from a city centre shop – they offered a ‘generous reward’ for anyone who could provide information on three male suspects.