For example, Woolworths stores in NSW recorded total losses of $217 million, but spread across 287 stores. Baby formula was the most prized item among Australian thieves, with this item snagged off Canberra shelves at a higher rate than other parts of the country.
Alcohol is one of the most commonly shoplifted items due to its high cost and easy concealment. Many shoplifters steal alcohol to either consume it themselves or sell it to others for a profit.
A 2022 survey conducted by the National Retail Federation found laundry detergent to be among the most stolen items in organized retail crime, which has contributed to a $94.5 billion inventory shrinkage issue for the retail industry. These crimes aren't as simple as a lone shoplifter pocketing a product.
That is according to a nationally representative survey of 1010 respondents conducted by Finder. Extrapolating nationwide, it would mean 3.8 million Australians have stolen in the past year. Finder's Richard Whitten linked the thefts to the rising cost of living.
Adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24 are the most common age group of shoplifters, accounting for approximately 55% of all offenders.
Refrain from distractions like personal phone calls while on the sales floor. Provide adequate staff. The most vulnerable times for shoplifting occur early in the day, during lunch, and near closing, especially on Fridays or holidays. It is important to have enough staff to provide adequate coverage during these times.
Most shoplifting is committed in the afternoon, and Saturday is the peak day. Older shoplifters more frequently operate alone than do younger shoplifters; adults steal more at one time than do youths.
The offence of stealing/larceny carries a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment. However, stealing/larceny is an offence sometimes dealt with pursuant to section 10 of the Crimes (Sentence Procedure) Act, meaning no conviction will be recorded, there is no other penalty, and you will have no criminal record.
Shrinkage: $891 million
Going by the ARA Retail Institute's method, three per cent of Coles' $29.7 billion revenue equates to around $891 million lost in theft. The best possible case, one per cent of revenue, is still costing Coles $297 million.
"Professional shoplifting" is on the rise with Australian retailers joining forces to stem billions of dollars in losses annually. It comes as a 23.7 per cent increase in retail theft was recorded in NSW in the 12 months to December 2022, according to the latest Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data.
The Mona Lisa
The criminal, Vincenzo Perugia, was a handyman working at the Louvre, where the painting is displayed. In 1911, he hid in a closet until the museum closed and then took off with it with two other handymen.
A lighter is one of the most commonly lost items, along with pens and wallets.
#1. Cash. Cash is always on the top of burglars' wish list. Unlike other most commonly stolen items that need to be resold in pawn shops or on the street, cash can be used directly and quickly without any conspicuous.
Newspapers – Similar to umbrellas, rolled or folded newspapers can easily hide items shoplifters wish to steal. Newspapers can be strategically rolled up, leaving a gap for the purpose of shoving small items in the gap that is created. In this way, shoplifters have another method of concealing stolen items.
A total of 66.6 percent of all shoplifters reported were under 30 years of age; 6.2 percent were under 12 years of age; 26.7 percent were between 12 and 17 years of age; and 33.7 percent were between 18 and 29 years.
This offence occurs when a person fraudulently takes a thing or converts a thing to their own use. Stealing attracts a penalty of up to five years imprisonment. However higher penalties apply if the offence is committed in special circumstances.
Like most retailers, we do have CCTV in our stores, which is why we make reference to cameras in the updated privacy policy…
More than $13 billion in merchandise is stolen each year. More than $35 million in merchandise is stolen every day. There are roughly 550,000 shoplifting incidents per day. Approximately 27 million people in the U.S. shoplift, which equals around 10% of the country's population.
The minimum type of theft charge is called, “Petty Larceny,” which means stealing something up to the value of $1,000.
If you receive a conviction when you are under 18 years old, and you are not dealt with as an adult, then this conviction will be spent after 5 years of you not being in any more trouble within any Australian State or Territory. Any conviction as an adult is spent after 10 years.
If a young person has stolen something minor for the first time they may be given an on-the-spot warning by police which does not go onto your criminal record under this act. If a young person is found stealing numerous times, they may be issued a caution which is more serious than a warning.
Shoplifting is an issue for both small local shops and large supermarkets. Concealing an item is one of the most common shoplifting techniques. This can be done in several ways, depending on the resourcefulness of the thief.