In the food retail sector , losses due to theft represent a real challenge for retailers. But what products are actually most sought after by thieves? Identifying these items makes it possible to adopt more targeted prevention strategies — notably thanks to technologies based on intelligent behavioral analysis .
🥩 Meat
Meat products, including beef or vacuum-packed steaks, are often hidden in bags or under clothing. Their small size and high value make them a prime target. Thieves focus on compact packaging that is easy to conceal, and target premium brands. Fresh aisles are especially vulnerable because they are less monitored.
🧀 Branded cheeses
Some high-value cheeses, often located in self-service aisles, are regularly stolen. They combine easy access and high value. Well-known brands or individually wrapped vacuum-packed portions are the main targets. Their discreet packaging and strong demand make them particularly attractive for theft.
🥃 Spirits
Spirits such as whisky or vodka are at the top of the list. The bottles are compact and expensive, especially when not secured with anti-theft devices. Thieves often act by spotting gaps in aisle surveillance. Reselling these spirits in private circles or online is a lucrative business. Some stores now use locked cabinets to reduce such theft.
🍫 Premium chocolates and sweets
High-end sweet products are also theft targets, particularly when given as gifts during the holidays. These items are sometimes stolen individually, either for resale or immediate consumption. Their location at end-of-aisle displays or near checkouts makes them vulnerable. Brand-name chocolate assortments are especially 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 black markets. Some thieves target them repeatedly, especially in stores where these items are freely accessible. Their compactness allows for multiple thefts in a single visit.
🥛 Infant formula
Baby formula is surprisingly sought after by thieves, mainly due to its high demand and elevated price. Some organized networks specifically go after this type of merchandise. These thefts can reach significant volumes, fueling a true trafficking market.
💄 Cosmetics and personal care products
Creams, makeup, or hair care—especially from well-known brands—are among the items most frequently stolen in cosmetics aisles. These products are targeted for their value and ease of concealment. They are often resold through parallel markets, online or between individuals. Thefts are facilitated by the fact that these aisles rarely have effective security systems.
🤖 Artificial Intelligence for Prevention
In response to these trends, retailers are adopting innovative solutions to prevent suspicious behavior right from the outset. Gesture analysis systems are emerging as a proactive, non-intrusive response, able to detect unusual movements around these high-risk products.
Thanks to AI, it is now possible to alert staff when a gesture suggests an attempt at concealment or abnormal behavior. This enables a fast and effective intervention , without creating tension in the store.
Oxania , a specialist in intelligent detection, supports food retailers in this transition towards smarter security, respectful of customer experience and focused on reducing losses.
🎯 Better Loss Control for Sustainable Performance
Identifying the most stolen items is just the first step. But it is the combined use of data, technology, and people that leads to effective action.
Retailers who adopt intelligent detection solutions enjoy better visibility over risk areas while optimizing their customer experience thanks to smoother, less intrusive surveillance.
By integrating these technologies, large-scale retail is entering a new era, where prevention becomes proactive, intelligent, and results-oriented .
