ShoplifterS are set to cost the republic's retailers E 51m during the festive season, according to the group representing small and medium businesses. iSMe yesterday warned that shop owners would lose over E 230m over the entire year because of thieves. The group said that the cost of shoplifting, in terms of lost goods and security measures, added up to 3 per cent to the price of goods. iSMe chief executive Mark fielding said shops were being targeted by organised gangs of thieves and were twice as likely to be hit during the winter holiday period. He warned that there had been an increase in the number of "organised retail crime gangs" who move between towns and steal goods "to order." "Electronic goods such as tablets, smart phones and games, expensive cosmetics, clothing and food products are the most common items targeted by thieves, causing huge financial damage to retailers up and down the country," he said.