Theft in supermarkets and small retail stores has seen a significant rise, with a 14% increase reported in France between 2022 and 2023*. This kind of loss, known as shrinkage, represents a substantial financial hit for affected businesses. In this article, we explore the products most commonly targeted by shoplifters and the strategies retailers can adopt to protect themselves.
Frequently Stolen Products in Supermarkets
Certain products are more attractive to thieves due to their high demand, ease of resale, or small size. The most commonly stolen items include:
- Cheese
- Meat and Charcuterie
- Perfumes
- Fashion Accessories (e.g., sunglasses, costume jewelry)
- Makeup Products
- Confectionery
Common Shoplifting Techniques
Understanding the methods shoplifters use can help stores better prepare and prevent theft. Here are some of the most prevalent techniques:
1. Concealment
Hiding items to avoid payment is one of the most widespread techniques. Thieves often use false bag bottoms, concealed pockets, or simply “forget” items at the bottom of a shopping cart. Metal-lined bags and magnets are also employed to bypass anti-theft systems.
2. Clothing Concealment
Small items, particularly cosmetics like perfumes, lipsticks, and foundations, are often hidden in coat pockets or sleeves. Since product testing is allowed in these sections, shoplifters sometimes exploit this leniency to pocket items unnoticed.
3. Pram Theft
Placing items under a child’s pushchair is another common tactic. The presence of baby belongings can provide effective cover for stolen goods.
4. Label Swapping
Switching price labels to pay less, especially for fruits, vegetables, and bulk goods, is a subtle yet effective method. For instance, a shoplifter might weigh a high-value item but attach a cheaper product’s label to it.
Strategies to Prevent In-Store Theft
Retailers can implement several strategies to reduce shoplifting and minimize losses:
1. Anti-Theft Devices
Installing anti-theft devices is a widely adopted solution. These include:
- Anti-Theft Labels: Ideal for smaller items.
- Security Tags: Commonly used in clothing stores.
- Bottle Locks: Prevents unauthorized consumption of beverages.
2. Surveillance Cameras
Positioning security cameras in strategic locations like entrances, exits, and high-theft areas helps deter shoplifters and provides valuable evidence when incidents occur.
3. AI-Powered Video Surveillance
Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing retail security. AI-integrated systems can analyze real-time footage to detect suspicious behaviors and gestures. When unusual activity is detected, the system sends an alert to the store manager’s device, enabling immediate intervention.
Importantly, this technology maintains anonymity by focusing solely on behavior, not personal identity.
Conclusion
Retail theft is a persistent challenge, but understanding common tactics and deploying advanced security measures can significantly reduce losses. From traditional anti-theft devices to AI-powered surveillance, stores now have more tools than ever to safeguard their inventory and profits.
Discover how ALF Vision’s intelligent video surveillance technology can enhance your store’s security and help you stay one step ahead of shoplifters.
