Retailers in Spain lost some €2.932 billion as a result of theft, administrative errors and supplier fraud last year, equivalent to 1.1% of the total turnover of the retail sector, according to new data from NIQ, Checkpoint Systems and AECOC.
As the data showed, 81% of these losses were directly related to theft, with external theft accounting for 63% and internal theft 18%. Administrative errors accounted for a further 13%, with supplier fraud responsible for the remaining 6%.
The proportion of turnover lost has returned to the highest level recorded this decade. Unknown losses represented 0.9% of turnover in 2022 before falling to 0.74% in 2023. More than half of the companies surveyed (54%) said external theft had increased over the past year.
Two-thirds of retailers (67%) reported higher levels of theft at self-checkouts than at tills operated by employees, while 46% said they had invested additional resources to prevent losses in these areas.
“The data shows that commercial theft requires a comprehensive response,” commented Alejandro López, head of loss prevention at AECOC. “Prevention, training and technological investment must advance together with effective legal tools against multiple recidivism. The aim is to reduce the economic and operational impact of theft, which particularly affects smaller companies, and to reinforce security in establishments.”
Repeat offenders
The research also found that 48% of thefts were carried out by repeat offenders. People under the age of 30 accounted for 52% of cases, including 39% attributed to those aged between 18 and 30 and 13% to minors. Adults aged 31 to 50 accounted for 32%, while those over 50 represented 15%.
Retailers also reported increased aggression towards staff, with around four fifths (79%) saying verbal or physical aggression by offenders had risen. A further 78% said it was becoming more difficult to recruit security personnel. Organised gangs were responsible for 46% of thefts, according to the barometer.
“The increase in theft and the growing violence associated with these crimes pose an increasing challenge for retail,” commented Carlos Cruz, commercial director, Checkpoint Systems Spain.
“The response must involve a comprehensive and complementary security strategy, which combines consolidated protection measures with technologies capable of providing information, improving inventory visibility and anticipating possible incidents. Technology must help us to be more preventive and efficient, but always with a clear priority: to protect people.”
Frequently stolen products
The most frequently stolen products varied by retail category, the data showed. Wines and spirits topped the food and beverage ranking, followed by Iberian sliced products and chocolate. Razor blades were the most stolen items in personal care and beauty, while headphones led the electronics category. Hand and power tools, including drills, topped the DIY ranking.
In fashion, T-shirts and shirts were the most frequently stolen products, followed by footwear and underwear. Pet food, particularly wet food, was also identified as an area of growing concern. Read more here.
