Pharmacy theft and shrinkage: a silent scourge with many consequences

Theft in pharmacies, often referred to as shrinkage, represents far more than a simple financial loss. It is a daily challenge that weighs heavily on the profitability and management of pharmacies. The scale of the phenomenon is considerable: according to the National Retail Federation (NRF), retail theft incidents increased by 93% between 2019 and 2023, and the pharmaceutical sector is not spared.

Beyond the numbers, the impact spreads: emptied shelves create frustrating stockouts for loyal customers, an atmosphere of mistrust can tarnish the shopping experience, and staff may feel a sense of insecurity.

However, this scourge is not inevitable. Modern strategies and high-performing technological tools exist to tackle it. It is time to see technology not as a constraint, but as a strategic ally to protect your margins and optimize the environment of your pharmacy.

Top 6 most stolen products in pharmacies: understanding to better protect

To protect your pharmacy effectively, it is crucial to know which products are most exposed to theft. They share common characteristics: they are often small, high-value, lack individual protection, and are easy to conceal or resell quickly.

Identifying these items makes it possible to focus prevention efforts on the most sensitive areas of the store, and to move from passive vigilance to a precise protection strategy. Knowing which aisles are at risk is the first step toward putting an effective defense in place. Here are the six product categories most frequently stolen in pharmacies:

  • Dermo-cosmetic products and luxury makeup.
  • Infant formula and baby care items.
  • Dietary supplements, vitamins, and diet products.
  • Razors and replacement blades.
  • Electric toothbrushes and replacement heads.
  • Certain over-the-counter medications (pain and cold treatments).

There are also similarities with the most exposed products in food retail : high-value, small-format items remain the most coveted, whatever the type of store.

AI video analysis: from reaction to active prevention

Traditional video surveillance, while essential, is often limited to a reactive role: it allows you to establish the facts once the theft has been committed, making intervention impossible. Technological innovation now makes it possible to go beyond this stage. As the collaboration between the Loss Prevention Research Council and NVIDIA shows, the industry is investing heavily in AI video analysis to fight organized retail theft.

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing this approach by analyzing the video feeds from your existing cameras in real time. The AI is specifically trained to recognize at-risk gestures typical of theft: quickly concealing a product in a bag or pocket, opening packaging, consuming a product before reaching the checkout.

As soon as an at-risk gesture is detected, the system sends an instant, non-intrusive alert to the relevant staff, on mobile, tablet, or computer. With a solution like Oxania, the alert is sent in less than 10 seconds after detection, with no human intervention. This responsiveness enables a preventive, non-confrontational intervention, such as offering help to the customer, defusing the situation before the theft even takes place.

The concrete benefits of AI for securing your pharmacy

Integrating an intelligent detection solution goes well beyond simply identifying gestures. The benefits are numerous and translate into tangible results for your pharmacy. First of all, the reduction of shrinkage becomes tangible thanks to active prevention and a deterrent effect. Your teams are also empowered: instead of staring at screens, they receive actionable alerts, accompanied by an automatic zoom on the point of interest, and can focus on their core job, advising customers.

The AI acts as a tireless reinforcement, analyzing footage continuously. This technological presence is also a powerful deterrent. Finally, the system collects crucial objective data. It helps you identify the zones, products, and time slots most at risk via dashboards, allowing you to adjust your security and merchandising strategies for maximum efficiency.

Investing in AI-powered security: a winning strategy for your pharmacy

Considering AI detection technology as a mere expense would be a mistake. It is in fact a strategic investment in the performance and longevity of your pharmacy. With global shrinkage-related losses having reached more than $112 billion in 2022 according to the NRF, every pharmacy has everything to gain from equipping itself with modern prevention tools. Beyond simply protecting assets, these solutions actively contribute to creating a calmer, safer sales environment, for both your customers and your employees.

The impact is also felt in inventory management. By limiting unexplained losses, you ensure better product availability and optimize your purchasing. By effectively protecting your margins and optimizing your operations, you free up valuable resources. These resources can then be reinvested to innovate, improve the customer experience, and ensure the future growth of your pharmacy.