In the supermarket sector , losses related to theft represent a real challenge for retailers. But what are the products that are really most targeted by thieves? Identifying these items allows for the adoption of more targeted prevention strategies—particularly thanks to intelligent behavioral 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 preferred target. Thieves focus on compact, easy-to-hide packaging, and target premium brands. Fresh produce sections are particularly vulnerable as they are less monitored.
🧀 Branded Cheeses
Certain high-value cheeses, often placed in self-service aisles, are regularly stolen. They combine ease of access and high value. Well-known brands or individual vacuum-sealed portions are the most targeted. Their discreet packaging and high demand make them particularly attractive for theft.
🥃 Hard Liquors
Spirits, such as whiskey or vodka, are high on the list. The bottles are compact and expensive. Especially when they are not secured with anti-theft devices. Thieves often operate by spotting surveillance gaps in the aisles. The resale of these alcohols in private circles or online is a lucrative business. Some retailers set up locked display cases to limit these thefts.
🍫 Premium Chocolates and Confectioneries
High-end sweet products also attract theft, particularly when they are offered during holiday periods. These items are sometimes stolen individually, notably for resale or immediate consumption. Their placement at the end of aisles or near checkouts makes them vulnerable. Assortments of branded chocolate 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 series, particularly in stores where these items are freely accessible. Their compactness facilitates multiple thefts during the same visit.
🥛 Infant Formula
Baby formula is surprisingly popular with thieves, particularly due to its high demand and high price. Some organized networks specifically target this type of merchandise. These thefts can reach significant volumes, fueling real trafficking.
💄 Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
Creams, makeup, or hair care products, especially from well-known brands, are among the most stolen items in cosmetic aisles. These products are targeted for their value and ease of concealment. They are often resold on parallel markets, online, or between individuals. Theft is facilitated by the fact that these aisles are rarely equipped with effective security systems.
🤖 Artificial Intelligence for Prevention
Faced with these trends, retailers are adopting 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 at-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 allows for quick and appropriate intervention , without creating tension in the store.
Oxania , a specialist in intelligent detection, supports food distributors in this transition towards 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 humans that allows for effective action.
Retailers who integrate an intelligent detection solution benefit from better visibility into high-risk areas , while optimizing their customer experience through smoother and less intrusive surveillance.
By integrating these technologies, supermarkets are entering a new era, where prevention becomes proactive, intelligent, and results-oriented .
