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 very real problem. Even though pharmacies are perceived as trustworthy places, they are not spared losses due to theft. But which products are targeted the most… and above all, how can we remedy this in a modern and intelligent way?

Discover below the 6 products most often stolen from pharmacies , and how innovative solutions like suspicious gesture detection can considerably reduce these losses while improving the customer experience.


💊 Over-the-Counter Medicines

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

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


🪥 Oral Hygiene Products

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

Benefit of intelligent surveillance:
With precise gesture analysis, it is possible to identify abnormal attitudes without resorting to intrusive surveillance.


🧴 Cosmetics and Beauty Products

Facial creams, anti-aging serums, high-end makeup… These items combine small size with high value, an ideal combination for theft.

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


🚼 Baby Products

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

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


🧼 Premium Body Care Products

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, thereby ensuring privacy is respected.


🧠 Dietary Supplements

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

Reducing losses:
By identifying risky behaviors (quick hiding, 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 area into a fortress. Innovative solutions like suspicious gesture detection by artificial intelligence offer a modern response to the challenges of shoplifting.

👉 They enable loss reduction , workforce vigilance optimization and above all, provide a smooth and safe experience for customers .

Companies like Oxania offer high-performance, privacy-respectful technologies already adopted by many retailers in the industry.


🛍️ In Conclusion

Theft in pharmacies is a reality, but it is not inevitable. By combining intelligent prevention , cutting-edge technology and a customer-centered 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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