The 6 Most Stolen Products in Pharmacies… and How Technology Can Help

Person seen from behind stealing in a modern pharmacy
Person seen from behind stealing in a modern pharmacy

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In the pharmaceutical sector, shoplifting remains a real concern. Even though pharmacies are seen as trustworthy places, they are not exempt from losses due to theft. So, which products are most targeted… and above all, how can we address this issue in a modern and intelligent way?

Discover below the 6 products most frequently stolen from pharmacies , and how innovative solutions such as suspicious gesture detection can significantly reduce these losses while improving the customer experience.


💊 Over-the-counter medications

Painkillers, cold remedies, antacids, and other self-service medicines are often targeted. Easy to access and compact, they can be hidden in an instant.

How to address this?
Real-time detection of suspicious gestures (such as concealing a product under clothing, in a bag, or even a stroller) allows staff to be alerted without disturbing customers.


🪥 Oral hygiene products

Electric toothbrushes, whitening kits, or branded toothpastes are frequent targets. Their higher price makes them attractive to opportunistic thieves.

Benefit of intelligent surveillance:
With precise gesture analysis, it’s possible to identify abnormal behaviors without resorting to intrusive surveillance.


🧴 Cosmetics and beauty products

Facial creams, anti-aging serums, premium makeup… These products combine small size with high value, making them ideal for theft.

The solution?
An artificial intelligence system like the one offered by Oxania detects abnormal behaviors even before a theft occurs, enabling proactive prevention.


🚼 Baby products

Infant formula, diapers, and wipes are also frequently targeted.

Artificial intelligence for an effective approach:
With gesture-based detection, staff can intervene in a caring manner, without creating tension with customers.


🧼 Premium body care

Essential oils, organic lotions, or dermatological creams are often stolen from urban pharmacies. Their placement on accessible shelves makes theft easier.

AI advantage:
Cameras equipped with smart algorithms continuously analyze movements without storing personal data, thus ensuring privacy is respected.


🧠 Dietary supplements

Vitamins, fat burners, slimming products, or items for sleep are among the most popular—and most stolen—products.

Loss reduction:
By identifying risky behaviors (quick concealment, suspicious gestures), teams can act quickly and efficiently.


🤖 Technology serving security… and the customer experience

Today, it is possible to secure pharmacies without turning the space into a fortress. Innovative solutions like suspicious gesture detection powered by artificial intelligence offer a modern answer to the challenges of shoplifting.

👉 They enable reduced losses , optimized staff vigilance and, above all, a smooth and stress-free experience for customers .

Companies such as Oxania offer effective, privacy-conscious technologies already adopted by many players in the sector.


🛍️ In conclusion

Theft in pharmacies is a reality, but it is not inevitable. By combining intelligent prevention , cutting-edge technology , and a customer-centric approach , pharmacies can create a safer environment for everyone.


💡 Want to know more about intelligent detection solutions for suspicious behaviors? Contact us for a personalized demonstration.

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