Retail trade - Thieves steal goods worth 4.1 billion euros
Single retailers in Germany are facing an increasing problem with shoplifting. Thieves stole goods worth 2.8 billion Euro in the past year, according to a study by the Retail Research Institute EHI. In addition, goods worth 910 million Euro were stolen by their own employees. Damages amounted to 370 million Euro due to theft from suppliers and service companies.
The damage caused to the retail industry as a result is therefore 15% higher than the previous year. There is an increase in the food, clothing, and drugstore sectors, among others.
There are several reasons for this. "Some people have gotten into financial trouble due to price increases for many products and have stolen more frequently," said study author Frank Horst. Another problem is the labor shortage in retail. "In many stores, there is less staff on duty today. This makes it easier for thieves. Staff presence deters theft indirectly," so Horst.
Shoplifting: Mostly Opportunists
Among the most popular product categories for shoplifters in supermarkets and discount stores are spirits, tobacco products, cosmetics, razor blades, energy drinks, baby food, and coffee. Meat, sausages, and cheese are also frequently stolen. Mostly, it is opportunistic thieves, but at least one quarter are professional thieves who operate in gangs.
The total inventory differences in 2023 have increased by 5% to 4.8 billion Euro. This includes losses due to shoplifting by customers, employees, and personnel from suppliers and service companies, as well as organizational errors such as incorrect price marking. The German state also suffers a loss, losing tax revenue of around 560 million Euro.
- Frank Horst, the study author, attributed some of the increase in shoplifting in Germany to financial struggles among consumers due to price increases for various consumer goods.
- Shoplifting is a growing concern in the retail trade sector of Germany, especially in supermarkets and discount stores, where popular items for theft include spirits, tobacco products, cosmetics, and infant food.
- The city of Cologne, like other German cities, has reported an increase in shoplifting cases, with meat, sausages, and cheese being frequently stolen items.
- The Retail Research Institute EHI's study reveals that opportunistic thieves and organized crime groups are both contributing to shoplifting in Germany, resulting in substantial losses for retailers, employees, and the German government.
