In the grocery retail sector , losses from theft represent a real challenge for stores. But what products are actually most sought after by thieves? Identifying these items allows for more targeted prevention strategies — notably thanks to intelligent behavioral analysis technologies.
🥩 Meat
Meat products, especially beef or vacuum-packed steaks, are often hidden in bags or under clothes. 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. The fresh food aisles are particularly vulnerable because they are less monitored.
🧀 Branded Cheeses
Certain high-value cheeses, often placed in self-service aisles, are regularly stolen. They combine easy access and high value. Well-known brands or individually wrapped portions are the main targets. Their discreet packaging and high demand make them especially attractive for theft.
🥃 Spirits
Liquors, such as whiskey or vodka, rank high on the list. These bottles are compact and expensive, especially when not secured with anti-theft devices. Thieves often exploit surveillance weaknesses in the aisles. Reselling these spirits in private networks or online is a lucrative business. Some stores install locked display cases to limit these thefts.
🍫 Premium Chocolates and Sweets
High-end sweet products also attract theft, especially when they are given as gifts during holidays. These items are sometimes stolen individually, in particular 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 Products
Small, discreet, and often expensive, these products are among the most frequently stolen. They are sometimes resold on secondary markets. Some thieves repeatedly target them, especially in stores where these items are easily accessible. Their compactness makes it easy to steal multiple units at once.
🥛 Infant Formula
Baby formula is surprisingly sought after by thieves, mainly because of its high demand and price. Some organized groups specifically target this type of product. These thefts can reach significant volumes, fueling a true black market.
💄 Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
Creams, makeup, or hair care items, especially from well-known brands, are among the most stolen products in the cosmetics aisles. These products are targeted for their value and how easy they are to conceal. They are often resold on secondary markets, online, or between individuals. Thefts are facilitated by the fact that these aisles rarely have efficient security systems.
🤖 Artificial Intelligence for Prevention
In response to these trends, retailers are adopting innovative solutions to prevent suspicious behavior as soon as it appears. Gesture analysis systems are a proactive and non-intrusive way to detect 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 a fast and appropriate response , without creating tension in the store.
Oxania , a specialist in intelligent detection, supports grocery retailers in this transition to smarter security solutions that respect the customer experience and focus on loss reduction.
🎯 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 enables effective action.
Retailers who integrate intelligent detection solutions enjoy better visibility over high-risk zones , while optimizing their customer experience thanks to smoother, less intrusive monitoring.
By integrating these technologies, grocery retail is entering a new era, where prevention becomes proactive, intelligent, and results-driven .
