In the major food retail sector , losses due to theft represent a real challenge for retailers. But what are the products that thieves target the most? Identifying these items allows stores to adopt more targeted prevention strategies — notably thanks to intelligent behavioural analytics technologies.
🥩 Meat
Meat products, especially beef or vacuum-packed steaks, are often hidden in bags or under clothes. Their small size and value make them a prime target. Thieves focus on compact packaging that is easy to conceal and target premium brands. Fresh food aisles are particularly vulnerable because they are less closely monitored.
🧀 Branded Cheeses
Certain high-value cheeses, often found in self-serve sections, are regularly stolen. They combine easy access with high value. Well-known brands or individually vacuum-packed portions are the most targeted. Their subtle packaging and strong demand make them particularly attractive for theft.
🥃 Spirits
Spirits, such as whisky or vodka, figure prominently on the list. Bottles are compact and expensive, especially when they’re not secured by anti-theft devices. Thieves often act by spotting gaps in shelf monitoring. The resale of these spirits in private circles or online is a lucrative business. Some stores have introduced locked cabinets to reduce these thefts.
🍫 Premium Chocolates & Confectionery
High-end sweet products are also a target for theft, especially when given during the festive season. These items are sometimes stolen individually, often for resale or immediate consumption. Their placement on display ends or near checkouts leaves them exposed. Branded chocolate boxes are especially targeted.
🪒 Razor Blades & Small Toiletries
Small, discreet and often expensive, these products are among the most frequently stolen. They are sometimes resold through unofficial markets. Some thieves target them in series, particularly in stores where these items are freely accessible. Their compactness makes multiple thefts easier in a single visit.
🥛 Infant Formula
Infant formula is surprisingly sought-after by thieves, mainly due to high demand and its high price. Some organised groups specifically target this kind of product. These thefts can reach significant volumes, fuelling genuine trafficking.
💄 Cosmetics & Personal Care Products
Creams, makeup or haircare, especially from well-known brands, are among the most frequently stolen items in cosmetics aisles. These products are targeted for their value and how easy they are to conceal. They are often resold on unofficial markets, online or between individuals. Thefts are made easier by the fact that these aisles rarely have advanced security systems in place.
🤖 Artificial Intelligence Supporting Prevention
In response to these trends, retailers are adopting innovative solutions to prevent suspicious behaviour as soon as it occurs. Gesture analysis systems are emerging as a proactive and non-intrusive solution, able to detect unusual movements around these high-risk products.
Thanks to AI, it’s now possible to alert staff when a gesture seems to indicate an attempt to conceal an item or abnormal behaviour. This enables quick and appropriate intervention without creating tension in the store.
Oxania , experts in intelligent detection, support food retailers in this transition towards smarter security that respects customer experience and focuses on reducing losses.
🎯 Better Loss Control for Sustainable Performance
Identifying the most stolen items is a first step. But it’s the combined use of data, technology and people that makes for real impact.
Stores that integrate an intelligent detection solution enjoy greater visibility of risk areas , while optimising customer experience through smoother, less intrusive surveillance.
By embracing these technologies, major retail is entering a new era, where prevention becomes proactive, intelligent and results-driven .
