In the food retail sector , losses due to theft pose a real challenge for stores. But what are the products most coveted by thieves? Identifying these items enables more targeted prevention strategies — notably through intelligent behavioral analysis technologies .
🥩 Meat
Meat products, especially beef or vacuum-packed steaks, are often hidden in bags or under clothing. Their small size and value make them a prime target. Thieves focus on compact, easy-to-hide packaging and target premium brands. Fresh food aisles are particularly vulnerable as they are less supervised.
🧀 Branded Cheeses
Certain high-value cheeses, often displayed on self-service shelves, are regularly stolen. They combine easy access and high value. Well-known brands or individually vacuum-sealed portions are the most targeted. Their discreet packaging and high demand make them particularly attractive for theft.
🥃 Spirits
Spirits, such as whiskey or vodka, are high on the list. The bottles are compact and expensive, especially when not secured with anti-theft devices. Thieves often act by looking for security gaps in the aisle. Reselling these spirits in private circles or online is a lucrative business. Some stores install locked showcases to limit these thefts.
🍫 Premium Chocolates and Confectionery
High-end sweet products also attract theft, especially when given as gifts during the holidays. These items are sometimes stolen individually, often for resale or immediate consumption. Their location at endcaps 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 serially, especially in stores where these items are freely accessible. Their compactness makes multiple thefts in one visit easier.
🥛 Infant Formula
Baby formula is surprisingly coveted by thieves, mainly due to its high demand and high price. Certain organized networks specifically target this type of merchandise. These thefts can reach large volumes, fueling real trafficking.
💄 Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
Creams, makeup, or hair care products, especially well-known brands, are among the most stolen items in cosmetics aisles. These products are targeted for their value and ease of concealment. They are often resold on parallel markets, online, or between individuals. Thefts are facilitated by the fact that these aisles are rarely equipped with effective security systems.
🤖 Artificial Intelligence at the Service of Prevention
In response to these trends, stores are turning to innovative solutions to prevent suspicious behavior as soon as it appears. Gesture analysis systems are emerging as a proactive and non-intrusive response, capable of detecting unusual movements around these high-risk products.
Thanks to AI, it is now possible to alert staff when a gesture seems to indicate an attempt at concealment or abnormal behavior. This enables a quick and appropriate intervention , without creating tension in the store.
Oxania , a specialist in intelligent detection, supports food retailers in this transition to smarter security—respectful of the 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 people that enables effective action.
Stores that integrate an intelligent detection solution benefit from better visibility over at-risk areas , while optimizing their customer experience thanks to smoother, less intrusive surveillance.
By integrating these technologies, food retail is entering a new era, where prevention becomes proactive, intelligent, and results-oriented .
