Shoplifting is a massive issue for retail businesses. There are billion of dollars that are lost every year due to theft. As per the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP), over $13 billion worth of goods are stolen from retailers annually in the U.S.
It is estimated that approximately $35 million is lost every day. But have you ever wondered what are the most shoplifted items and why? There are certain products that are stolen more frequently than others.
From everyday essentials to high-ticket goods, let’s dive into the most commonly shoplifted items, the psychology behind these thefts, and what stores are doing to prevent retail shrinkage.
Why Do People Shoplift?
Before we break down the most stolen items, let’s discuss what compels individuals to shoplift. While financial needs drive some thefts, others are solely due to impulse and thrill or thrill-seeking behavior.
In a study by the American Journal of Psychiatry, between 1 in 11 people were found shoplifting.
Here are a few common reasons people engage in shoplifting:
- Financial Hardship – Poverty has to be one of the primary causes of shoplifting. Some people steal necessities, like food and hygiene products, because they can’t afford them.
- Opportunistic Theft – Items that are easy to conceal and not properly secured become easy targets.
- Peer Pressure – Teenagers often shoplift due to peer influence or social acceptance.
- Addiction & Resale – Some individuals steal items such as over-the-counter drugs or designer clothing to resell and fund habits.
- Thrill-Seeking – A small percentage of shoplifters steal for the adrenaline rush, not out of necessity.
Now that we understand the motivations let’s explore the most stolen item in the world and why it made it to the list.
The Most Commonly Shoplifted Items
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Meat and Cheese
It might sound odd, but fresh meat and cheese are some of the most stolen items from supermarkets. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), meat ranks among the top three most stolen grocery items. These products can be pricey, and they’re easy to slip into a bag or under clothing. Moreover, stolen meat is resold to small restaurants or individual buyers to get bargain prices.
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Alcohol
Alcohol, especially small bottles of liquor, is among the most shoplifted items in the USA. The Global Retail Theft Barometer reports that alcoholic beverages are frequently stolen due to their high price and easy resale potential. Underage individuals might also steal alcohol because they cannot purchase it legally.
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Baby Formula
Surprisingly, baby formula is one of the most stolen items in the world. A study from the Federation of Wholesale Distributors revealed that baby formula is a key target for organized retail crime (ORC) due to its high value and demand. Some thieves resell stolen baby formula to unsuspecting parents or smaller stores looking for cheap inventory.
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Over-the-Counter Medications
From pain relievers like Advil and Tylenol to cold medicine and vitamins, OTC drugs are a frequent target for shoplifters. The National Association for Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) indicated that some medicines contain ingredients used to manufacture illicit drugs, making them particularly attractive for theft.
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Makeup & Skincare Products
Luxury beauty products, such as high-end foundation, mascara, and anti-aging creams, are commonly stolen due to their small size and high resale value. Most shoplifted items in the cosmetics category include premium brands that can be flipped for profit online. According to the NRF, beauty and personal care products account for more than 10% of all retail theft losses.
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Clothing and Accessories
Designer clothes, handbags, and accessories like sunglasses are most commonly shoplifted items in retail stores. Some shoplifters took personal care items, while others resell them on marketplaces like eBay or Poshmark.
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Electronics and Gadgets
Small electronics, including wireless earbuds, USB drives, and phone accessories, are high-theft items. A report by Checkpoint Systems found that consumer electronics are among the top five most stolen items globally. They’re compact, expensive, and easy to conceal, making them a prime target for shoplifters.
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Razors & Shaving Products
You might not think of razors as a high-theft item, but they are. Most stolen items from supermarkets often include razor blades because they are expensive and frequently displayed in easy-to-reach areas.
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Chocolate and Candy
You’ll be surprised to know, but the most stolen item in the world has to be a snack. These easy to cry and steal items, such as chocolate bars and chips, are popular items that shoplifters are thrilled to stole. The combination of low prices and easy concealment makes candy a common item in shoplifting cases.
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Sneakers and Footwear
High-end sneakers, or limited-edition brands, are the most shoplifted items in the USA. The majority of shoplifters target footwear as they get higher prices when sold in bulk. Some organized theft rings steal sneakers in bulk to resell them at high prices.
Less Known High-Theft Items In The Market
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Energy or Soft Drinks
Due to high demand and easy portability soft or energy drinks are one of the most commonly shoplifted items. Stores have started locking up expensive brands to combat theft.
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Lingerie and Underwear
Luxury undergarments and branded lingerie frequently go missing in department stores. They are easy to steal and have high resale value.
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Tools and Hardware
Hardware tools like drills and small hand tools are most commonly shoplifted items, especially in home improvement stores. They are valuable and easy to resell online or in flea markets.
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Sunglasses
Designer sunglasses, especially brands like Ray-Ban or Oakley, are a top target for shoplifters. They are lightweight, expensive, and easy to flip for cash.
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Perfume and Fragrances
High-end perfumes and colognes are frequently stolen due to their compact size and high market value. Some thieves steal them for personal use, while others resell them for a profit.
How Retailers Prevent Shoplifting?
With shoplifting causing billions in losses, stores have had to implement stronger anti-theft measures. According to the NRF, organized retail crime has increased by 26.5% over the past five years. It compels retailers to invest in advanced security solutions to ensure protection.
Here are some effective measures retailers can take for shoplifting prevention:
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Security Tags & Alarms
Retailers use electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags that trigger alarms when stolen items pass through security gates.
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Surveillance Cameras
Many stores have high-tech cameras that track suspicious behavior and act as a deterrent.
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Locked Displays
Expensive or high-theft items, like razors and baby formula, are often kept behind locked glass cases.
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Employee Training
Staff members are trained to recognize suspicious behaviors and prevent theft before it happens.
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Customer Service Strategies
Engaging with customers directly is a subtle way to deter shoplifting, as thieves prefer to operate unnoticed.
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Self-Checkout Monitoring
Many stores have increased monitoring at self-checkout stations to prevent theft through barcode switching or item skipping.
Bottom Line
Shoplifting affects businesses and consumers alike, driving up costs and increasing security measures. While most shoplifted items are stolen due to necessity, others are targeted for resale or personal gain. As theft continues to rise, stores are evolving their strategies as well as stricter punishment for shoplifting to prevent it.
