Shoplifting has increased nationwide.
Stricter penalties are being proposed to answer widespread increases in shoplifting across the midlands.
This comes as CSO figures show cases of shoplifting have increased in almost every county over the last 20 years.
Former Detective, Mullingar's Pat Marry, says staff should be trained to identify shoplifters and take precaution measures.
He says supports should be given to retailers:
Accused Men Intend To Contest Offaly Halting Site Firearm Charges
The alleged offences took place on March 21st in Tullamore.
Running For Love: Laois Woman Taking On London Marathon For Late Husband
This year's London Marathon begins in the English capital on Sunday morning.
RTE Redundancies Are A "Sticking Plaster" - NUJ
The State broadcaster is looking to reduce their employment numbers to balance the books.
Midlands TD's Appointed Chairpersons For Oireachtas Committees
Sean Fleming will chair the Fianna Fail committee on Infrastructure and Micheal Carrigy gets the Housing Committee.
Laois Traveller Organisation Is Lobbying For Youth Work Funding
'Mapping Youth Work For Travellers in Ireland' is being launched.
Midlands Priest Calls For Parents To Teach Children Basic Prayers At Home
It comes as teachers say preparations for sacraments shouldn't be done in class.
People Of Laois Taking Action Over Endometriosis 'Crisis'
The event was hosted by Sinn Féin.
"Caring, Witty, and Loveable"
Noel Ryan's family pays tribute to the former Westmeath business man who died swimming in Malta.
Midlands Schools Heading To ECO-UNESCO National Final
Schools from Laois, Offaly and Westmeath will compete with 93 other entrants next month.
Crimea Part Of Moscow's Pressure Campaign On US - Westmeath Defence Expert
It follows the latest missile and drone strikes on the Ukrainian capital.
€8m Westmeath Mansion Owned By Son Of Former Taoiseach On Sale
The estate is in Multyfarnham.
Two Men Arrested Over Offaly Shooting Incident
Both men are due before Portlaoise District Court this morning.
Midlands Social Housing Waiting Lists On The Rise
The Housing Department is coming under fire for its record over social housing.
Midlands TDs Row In Behind Oireachtas Heart Health Group
TDs and Senators across Laois, Offaly and Westmeath are backing the new initiative.
Ericsson Announces €200m Investment In Westmeath Base
The Swedish tech and comms company says they're investing in Ireland future.
Insurance Costs Removed For Midlands Tidy Towns Committees
The cost has been removed from the groups.
Gardaí Investigating Number of Stolen Cars in Offaly
The incident happened overnight in Edenderry last Wednesday.
Westmeath Councillor To Raise Funds For Irish Heart Foundation After Cardiac Arrest
Councillor John Dolan has been raising awareness of heart health since surviving a cardiac arrest in 2017.
Laois Motorist Arrested For Driving Under The Influence
They've been charged to appear before Portlaoise District Court.
New HIQA Report Finds Staffing Issues Affecting Service At Midlands Regional Hospital In Mullingar
A HIQA inspection found the facility non-compliant in workforce management.
