Loss prevention is a major issue for retailers, especially in the supermarket, pharmacy and hardware sectors . Knowing which products are most targeted for theft allows security strategies to be adjusted and stock to be better protected.
🌂 Alcohol & Spirits
Easy to hide, small in size and high in value, bottles of alcohol top the list of most stolen products. Their appeal for resale makes them a recurring target. Thieves often operate in groups, targeting premium brands like whiskies, vodkas or champagnes. Resale can be through parallel markets, including online or at markets. This type of theft represents a significant financial loss for retailers, especially during holiday periods.
🍼 Baby Products
Infant formula, nappies and wipes are essential products whose high demand makes them frequent victims of theft. Their high cost and constant turnover make them a top target for resale. Some thieves resell them at discounted prices, capitalising on financial pressures facing families. The theft of these items is often linked to hardship.
💋 Cosmetics & Perfume
Beauty items, especially high-end perfumes and makeup, are often stolen because of their small size and high market value. These products attract both opportunistic thieves and organised groups, often to supply online resale platforms. Major brands are especially targeted due to strong demand. Some thieves even use lined bags to bypass security gates.
💊 Over-the-Counter Medicines
In pharmacies, painkillers, supplements and other OTC products are common targets. Their small size makes them easy to steal. Some medicines can be diverted from their original use, making them even more attractive. Furthermore, their sometimes high price motivates thefts either for resale under the table or for personal consumption. Pharmacies therefore need to combine prevention and surveillance while maintaining accessibility.
🌟 Batteries & Small Electronics
Batteries, memory cards and phone accessories are among the most stolen items, especially in hardware or convenience stores. Their compact nature and high unit value make them easy to steal and resell. They are often sought after due to high demand. Thefts sometimes happen in batches, targeting entire aisles in less supervised sections.
👔 Razors & Blades
Despite being basic items, disposable razors and refills are often stolen due to their high price and compact format. Their discreet packaging allows them to be easily hidden. Many thieves target them for personal use as well as for resale online or at markets. These items can be costly for stores to replace, leading to reinforced protection with anti-theft boxes.
💰 Gift Cards & Prepaid Vouchers
Taken before activation, these cards are sometimes stolen in bulk, mainly to resell or for fraudulent use. Their thin format makes them easy to steal at the checkout or from shelves near exits.
🥛 Cheese & Packaged Meats
In the grocery sector, these high-value products are highly sought after, particularly due to their popularity. Food theft is often motivated by immediate needs, but may also be organised on a larger scale.
🏋️ Clothing & Accessories
Clothing items, especially small accessories, sunglasses or caps, are often targeted on the shelves. Trendy brands are particularly targeted for resale on second-hand platforms. Some thieves do shop circuits to accumulate stock for resale.
🧬 Tools & DIY Materials
In DIY stores, screwdrivers, drill bits and small equipment are frequently stolen as they’re easy to hide and resell. Their constant demand, especially from tradespeople or weekend DIYers, makes them a lucrative target. Stores need to step up surveillance in technical aisles and restrict access to certain products.
🛡️ Getting Ahead with Behavioural Detection
Rather than simply monitoring products, forward-thinking retailers are adopting solutions based on the analysis of suspicious gestures . By using artificial intelligence to identify risky behaviour in real time , it's possible to prevent thefts without affecting the customer experience.
Technologies such as Oxania’s provide accurate, non-intrusive detection suited to every shop type, allowing in-store teams to respond quickly while creating a safer environment for everyone.
📆 In Summary
Understanding which products are most likely to be stolen is an essential first step. But it’s by combining this knowledge with smart AI tools that retailers can truly cut down on losses, improve profitability and protect brand reputation . Behavioural technology is now a powerful ally for tomorrow’s retail sector.
