In the food retail sector , losses due to theft represent a significant challenge for businesses. But what are the products most favored by thieves? Identifying these items allows for more targeted prevention strategies — particularly through intelligent behavioral analysis technologies.
🥩 Meat
Meat products, especially beef or vacuum-sealed steaks, are often hidden in bags or under clothing. Their small size and value make them a prime target. Thieves focus on compact packaging that is easy to conceal and target premium brands. Fresh meat sections are particularly vulnerable as they are less monitored.
🧀 Branded Cheeses
Certain high-value cheeses, often placed in self-service aisles, are regularly taken. They combine ease of access with 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 like whiskey or vodka are high on the list. Bottles are compact and expensive, especially when not secured by anti-theft devices. Thieves often operate by spotting surveillance gaps in the aisles. The resale of these liquors in private circles or online constitutes a lucrative business. Some stores install locked display cases to limit these thefts.
🍫 Premium Chocolates and Confectionery
High-end sweet products also attract theft, particularly during holiday seasons. These items are sometimes stolen individually, especially for resale or immediate consumption. Their placement at the end of aisles 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 in series, especially in stores where these items are freely accessible. Their compactness facilitates multiple thefts in a single visit.
🥛 Infant Formula
Baby formula is surprisingly sought after by 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, feeding a real traffic.
💄 Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
Creams, makeup, or hair care products, especially from well-known brands, are among the most taken items from cosmetic aisles. These products are targeted for their value and ease of concealment. They are often resold on parallel markets, online, or among individuals. Thefts are facilitated by the fact that these aisles are rarely equipped with effective security systems.
🤖 Artificial Intelligence for Prevention
In response to these trends, retailers are adopting innovative solutions to prevent suspicious behaviors as they appear. Gesture analysis systems are becoming 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 allows for rapid and appropriate intervention , without creating tension in the store.
Oxania , a specialist in intelligent detection, supports food retailers in this transition towards smarter security, respecting 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's the combined use of data, technology, and people that allows for effective action.
Retailers who integrate an intelligent detection solution benefit from better visibility into at-risk areas , while optimizing their customer experience through smoother and less intrusive surveillance.
By integrating these technologies, food retail enters a new era where prevention becomes proactive, intelligent, and results-oriented .
