Stealing is trendy? Why shoplifting is skyrocketing across the world | World News

New Delhi: Shoplifting has become a growing challenge for retailers worldwide. The act of buying items without paying goes by many names, including bidding and swiping, and is performed by both individuals and organized groups. The financial losses are staggering, with stores losing billions of dollars each year due to theft.

In Germany alone, approximately 400,000 thefts will be recorded in 2024. Other European countries report similar trends. Police in England and Wales documented nearly 500,000 cases last year; This represents an annual increase of 20 percent. Helsinki, Finland, experienced a 60 percent increase in thefts in just five months, while Japan, the United States and Australia also reported rapid growth in retail thefts.

Experts say people steal not just for money. According to them, some steal to show off or to impress their friends.

Shoplifting has become more common and accepted in recent years. Reports and surveys show that the number of thefts is increasing. Some thefts go unreported, but surveys of shoppers and store owners reveal these hidden cases.

Germany’s EHI Retail Institute has been studying shoplifting for years. Its latest report shows that 98 companies operating around 17,000 stores suffered €3 billion in losses due to theft, up 3 percent on the previous year.

The reasons for this rise are complex. Experts say inflation may play a role, but the evidence is inconclusive. Surveys show that many people, especially among young shoppers, admit to stealing just for fun. Some think big box stores can absorb the losses without any consequences.

They also note that the rise of self-service stores, where customers shop without interacting directly with staff, has also contributed to this trend.

Social impact is important. Retailers often pass the cost of theft on to consumers through higher prices. Solving the problem with harsher penalties has limited impact. Research shows that legal consequences affect only a small proportion of criminals, while basic ethical and moral standards in society continue to decline.

Organized crime has become a central concern. Authorities in the UK have identified 42 organized gangs in the last few years and arrested 209 people targeting department stores across the country. These groups operate through coordination, with members assuming specific roles such as selecting and putting away items and monitoring store personnel. They exploit security vulnerabilities, remove alarm labels from expensive items, and even recruit children to minimize staff suspicion.

In 2023, the United Kingdom launched the Pegasus campaign in collaboration with retail stores to dismantle many gangs. Investigators estimate that these groups stole items worth up to £1.5-2 million from department stores over a number of years.

Technology and policing approaches have evolved. Security experts have revealed that modern stores now use advanced software to track theft in more than 120 countries. In past years, security personnel could physically detain thieves, but liability concerns and lawsuits have limited direct intervention. Police generally prefer violent crimes to retail theft, and many suspects are released after warnings. Laws vary among US states; Theft is classified as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the stolen goods.

Online marketplaces have increased opportunities for criminals. Stolen items once sold at flea markets can now be sold online at full price, increasing profit margins. Recent US legislation requires online platforms to verify seller identities and transaction records and limits the resale of stolen goods.

Retailers are also using advanced technologies to prevent theft. Self-service checkout, RFID security tags, smart shelving, license plate recognition and AI-powered surveillance allow stores to track products and detect criminals in real time. Some stores use facial recognition or body scanning technology while complying with state-specific privacy laws. Personnel distribution is critical. Companies are increasingly strategically positioning their employees and equipping them with body cameras to deter theft before it occurs.

Experts emphasize that theft can never be completely eliminated. Technology and staff aim to reduce incidents, deter potential criminals and ensure the safety of shoppers and employees. The reasons for the increase in shoplifting are diverse and layered. Some steal for fun, others due to economic pressures. Self-service shops have facilitated theft and organized gangs have turned it into a structured business. While new technologies and laws have helped, inconsistent enforcement and varying penalties allow many people to steal with limited risk.