In the food retail sector , losses related to theft represent a real challenge for brands. But what are the products most sought after by thieves? Identifying these items allows for more targeted prevention strategies—especially through intelligent behavioural analysis technologies .
🥩 Meat
Meat products, particularly beef or vacuum-sealed steaks, are often concealed in bags or under clothing. Their small size and value make them a prime target. Thieves focus on compact packaging that is easy to hide, and target premium brands. Fresh produce aisles are particularly vulnerable as they are less monitored.
🧀 Branded Cheeses
Certain high-value cheeses, often placed in self-service aisles, are regularly pilfered. They combine ease of access with high value. Well-known brands or individual vacuum-sealed portions are most targeted. Their discreet packaging and high demand make them particularly attractive for theft.
🥃 Hard Liquors
Spirits, such as whiskey or vodka, rank high on the list. The bottles are compact and expensive, especially when not secured with anti-theft devices. Thieves often operate by identifying surveillance gaps in the aisles. The resale of these alcohols in private circles or online constitutes a lucrative business. Some retailers are implementing locked display cases to limit these thefts.
🍫 Premium Chocolates and Confectionery
High-end sweet products also attract theft, particularly when offered during holiday periods. These items are sometimes stolen individually, especially for resale or immediate consumption. Their placement at the end of aisles or near checkouts makes them vulnerable. Branded chocolate assortments are particularly targeted.
🪒 Razor Blades and Small Hygiene Items
Small, discreet, and often expensive, these products are among the most frequently stolen. They are sometimes resold on parallel markets. Some thieves target them in bulk, particularly in stores where these items are on open display. Their compactness facilitates multiple thefts during a single visit.
🥛 Baby Formula
Baby formula is surprisingly sought after by thieves, particularly due to its high demand and high price. Some organised networks specifically target this type of merchandise. These thefts can reach significant volumes, fuelling a real traffic.
💄 Cosmetic and Personal Care Products
Creams, makeup, or hair care products, especially from well-known brands, are among the most pilfered items in cosmetic aisles. These products are targeted for their value and ease of concealment. They are often resold on parallel markets, online, or among individuals. Thefts are facilitated by the fact that these aisles are rarely equipped with effective security systems.
🤖 Artificial Intelligence for Prevention
In response to these trends, retailers are adopting innovative solutions to prevent suspicious behaviour as soon as it appears. Gesture analysis systems are emerging as a proactive and non-intrusive response, capable of detecting unusual movements around these at-risk products.
Thanks to AI, it is now possible to alert staff when a gesture seems to indicate an attempted concealment or abnormal behaviour. This allows for rapid and appropriate intervention , without creating tension in the store.
Oxania , a specialist in intelligent detection, assists food retailers in this transition towards smarter security, respectful of customer experience and focused on reducing losses.
🎯 Better Loss Control for Sustainable Performance
Identifying the most stolen items is a first step. But it is the combined use of data, technology, and human effort that enables effective action.
Retailers who integrate an intelligent detection solution benefit from better visibility over at-risk areas , while optimising their customer experience through smoother and less intrusive surveillance.
By integrating these technologies, food retail is entering a new era, where prevention becomes proactive, intelligent, and results-oriented .
