One in 11 people are shoplifters – according to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention. About 27 million people in America shoplift on a regular basis. The third and fourth quarters of the year are always tough on retailers. This time of year is notorious for high theft, both by shoplifters and employees; but this year the numbers are up 4%. What does that mean to the honest people like you and me who pay for their merchandise? Retailers have to adjust the prices of everyday items to account for shrink and the cost of added security which adds up to over $66 per person – just during November and December.
So what are the sticky fingers getting their hands on? This is a list of the top ten most stolen categories for the season (source of list – National Retail Federation):
- Alcohol
- Women’s clothing and accessories
- Toys
- Perfume plus health and beauty products
- Smartphones and tablets – tied at 5 – toiletries for men
- DVD and Blu-Ray gift sets, game consoles
- Food and festivities
- Electrical goods (things like electric toothbrushes)
- Watches and jewelry
- Chocolates and confectionery
So what are retailers doing about it? The Maricopa Sherriff’s Department in Phoenix has added security via helicopters, K-9 units, horse patrols and extra cameras during the holiday season. Most of the department employees participating are volunteers who just want to keep the community safe. In Spartanburg, SC police have added security by dedicating one patrolling officer per shift to answer only shoplifting calls. In Knoxville, TN “The Safer Holidays Task Force” hit the streets on Nov. 21 giving retailers a specific outlet to report shoplifting and employee theft.
Shoplifting is inevitable, but will these specialized police tactics bring a decrease? My pocket book, as well as all those retailers refiguring their shrink budgets, sure hope so!