Germany Faces €2.95 Billion Surge in Shoplifting Amid Economic Pressures

In 2024, shoplifting in Germany has surged to unprecedented levels, with losses amounting to approximately 2.95 billion euros. This increase represents a 4.6% rise compared to the previous year, marking a significant concern for retailers. According to the EHI Research Institute, the bulk of these losses stem from customer theft, followed by employee theft and other organizational issues.

The most frequently targeted items include alcoholic beverages, branded clothing, and electronics. Experts attribute this alarming trend to the rise in self-service checkout systems and the economic pressures on consumers, which have led to increased theft as a form of protest against high prices and perceived scarcity. Despite the soaring theft rates, the number of reported cases has decreased, suggesting a substantial number of unreported incidents.

Businesses are responding by enhancing security measures, such as employee training and technological investments, to mitigate losses. However, the challenge remains significant, with a portion of shoplifting being organized and professional. The situation calls for more robust strategies from both retailers and policymakers to tackle the growing issue of theft in the retail sector.