The 6 Most Stolen Products in Europe and the USA

Shoplifting remains a major problem for retailers, particularly for multi-unit operators. Every year, millions of dollars worth of goods are stolen from food shops, affecting both profitability and security. The most frequently stolen products vary according to region, consumer habits and shop type. In this article, we delve into the top 6 most stolen items from food shops across Europe, with a closer look at France, Italy, and Spain, before broadening our scope to examine trends in the rest of the world, focusing on the United States and Brazil.

1. The 6 Most Stolen Items in Europe

1.1. Cheese: Europe's Most Lifted Luxury

Cheese is one of the most stolen products in European food shops, particularly in countries such as France andItaly. According to a study by Smithsonian Magazine, around 4% of the world's cheese production is stolen every year (Smithsonian Magazine, 2020). In France, top-of-the-range cheeses such as Camembert and Roquefort, as well as luxury cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano in Italy, are prime targets for thieves.

Why the Appeal?

• Ease of transport: Cheeses are relatively small, easy to hide and transport.
• High value: Products like Parmigiano Reggiano can cost up to $30 per kilo, making them an attractive target for thieves.

Proactive Solutions for Retailers:

• Implement secure display cases with locking mechanisms for vulnerable cheese selections.
• Advanced surveillance systems (cameras and motion detectors) in sensitive areas.

1.2. Meat and Charcuterie: Prime Cuts for Pilfering

Meat products such as steak, chicken and charcuterie are also often stolen, especially in countries like France and Spain, where meat is a staple food. In Spain, for example, Iberian ham is a regular target. Thieves can easily hide these products in bags or under clothing.

Key Insight:

• In Spain, meat products account for around 15% of in-store thefts, particularly jamón and other high-end cured meat (The Times, 2021).
  

Strategic Countermeasures:

• Staff training to detect suspicious behaviour in meat departments.
• Anti-theft labels on the most frequently stolen products.

1.3. Olive Oil: Liquid Gold in the Aisles

Olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil, is one of the most stolen products in Spain and Italy. The high demand for this oil, particularly in countries where it is a staple product, makes it a prime target for thieves.

Drivers of Theft:

• High value: Olive oil can cost up to $30-40 for a good-quality bottle, making it an attractive product.
• Ease of concealment: Olive oil bottles are easy to hide in a bag or under clothing.
  

Effective Prevention Tactics:

• Access control and alarms in grocery aisles.
• Security display cases for luxury grocery products such as olive oil.

1.4. Organic and Fresh Produce

Organic produce, especially fruit and vegetables, is frequently stolen, particularly in European countries where demand for organic products is growing rapidly. Honey, fresh fruit such as bananas and citrus fruits are also popular targets.

Notable Statistic:

In Europe, organic fresh produce has seen a 30% increase in theft in recent years, particularly in supermarkets (The Guardian, 2024).

Strengthening Security in Produce Sections:

• Increase video surveillance in fresh produce departments.
• Active surveillance of staff to prevent theft of valuable organic produce.

1.5. Canned Products: The Staple of Shoplifting

Canned goods such as soups, tinned vegetables and takeaway food are classic targets for thieves, especially in convenience stores.

Solutions for managers:

• Closed display cases for canned goods.
• Automated detection technology to monitor comings and goings on the shelves.

2. The 6 Most Stolen Items Globally: A Focus on the US and Brazil

2.1. United States: The Allure of Electronics and Gadgets

In the United States, smartphones and electronic accessories are frequently stolen from supermarkets that also sell electronics. These products are highly sought after by thieves because of their high value and ease of resale.

Why Electronics are Targeted:

• High value: Phones can cost several hundred dollars, making them a prime target.
• Easy resale: Smartphones and their accessories (headphones, chargers) are quickly sold on secondary platforms.

Security Measures for Electronics Retail:

• Secure display cases for electronic devices.
• Smart cameras and video surveillance in sensitive areas.

2.2. Brazil: Essential Goods and the Impact of Economic Factors

In Brazil, meat, basic foodstuffs such as rice and pasta, and canned goods are among the most frequently stolen items. This is largely due to the low value of these products, which makes them attractive to thieves.

Key Data Point:

• In Latin America, more than 25% of merchandise losses are due to the theft of food products such as meat and canned goods(Ask Change, 2020).
  

Strategies for Securing Essential Goods:

• Secure display cases for fast-moving consumer goods.
• Increased video surveillance in sensitive areas.

Shared Vulnerabilities: Cross-Continental Similarities

Despite cultural and economic differences, a number of similarities emerge when it comes to the most frequently stolen products:

• Cheese and meat: These products are frequently targeted because of their high value and small size, making them easier to conceal and resell.
• Personal care products: Their small size and high value make them prime targets for theft.
• Basic food products: Canned goods and cereals are often stolen because of their accessibility and constant demand.
  

For multi-unit operators, it is crucial to understand these trends and adopt flexible security solutions to deal with rapidly evolving theft techniques. Intelligent surveillance systems, real-time alert technologies and theuse of artificial intelligence enable more efficient management and reduced losses.

If you own a network of food shops, it's essential to have the right security solution in place to protect your most stolen products and optimise security at every point of sale. Contact us to find out how Veesion can help you secure your shops and reduce shoplifting losses in your multi-site network.