A dispatch from Dublin, Ireland

A few years ago, Baltimore Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III started making greater use of a little-used police power that allowed the department to padlock businesses associated with violence and criminal activity. Police immediately faced criticism from business owners who say they are not responsible for the actions of patrons or are held hostage by criminals who move in and use their property to deal drugs, and that in fact police should be doing more to help them combat such incidents.

In Dublin, Chief Superintendent Pat Leahy isn't hearing that.

Leahy's north-central district includes much of the city's most heavily traversed commercial areas, and as such he keeps a close eye on crimes committed at businesses. But when things get out of hand, its Leahy who comes calling the businesses, not the other way around.

Leahy said he will often call up owners experiencing an increase in thefts and demand that they tighten their security procedures. He said too often, businesses are lax or hire security firms that prefer to let theft occur so that they can make arrests and prove their worth. The police then are called to log and investigate the crime, taking away resources from the community. Leahy says he "won't accept this."

"They're responsible for what happens in their store," Leahy told me. "And if their security is not doing the job, then I will tell them that I am recommending that firm get sacked. And if they refuse to do so, I'll publicize the fact that you're attracting criminals."

Here's the kicker: Leahy isn't content when the numbers drop, aware that some businesses may simply be underreporting crimes to get him off their back. That's when Leahy, who has an MBA from a prestigious business school, requests to audit their inventory books. He says he has the support of the downtown business association in these efforts.