Shoplifting in Germany has surged to record levels, with losses exceeding €3 billion annually, according to a recent study conducted by the EHI Retail Institute in Cologne. The institute’s research indicates a 41 percent increase in customer theft from retail outlets since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, highlighting a growing challenge comparable to that faced by the United Kingdom.

The study surveyed 103 retail companies operating a total of 21,225 branches across Germany, with findings extrapolated to represent the entire retail sector. Researchers found that discrepancies between reported inventory and actual stock stand at €5.1 billion. Of this amount, €4.3 billion is attributed to theft, while the remaining €0.8 billion stems from managerial errors such as bookkeeping mistakes.

Within the theft-related losses, €3.1 billion are linked to shoplifting by customers and organized criminal groups. The balance of the stolen goods is attributed to internal theft involving employees, suppliers, and contractors. Commonly targeted items include alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, baby food, and sausages, which are frequently stolen from supermarkets and grocery stores.

In response to rising theft, the retail sector in Germany has significantly increased its investment in security measures. Annual spending now totals approximately €1.7 billion on preventive actions like surveillance cameras and store detectives, alongside €1.6 billion devoted to identifying losses through inventory checks and related efforts.

Comparative data from the British Retail Consortium estimate retail theft costs in the UK at slightly over £2 billion annually, largely due to customer and gang-related theft. When adjusted for population size, the per capita cost of shoplifting in Germany and the UK appear closely aligned at roughly £32 (or equivalent) per person per year.

The findings underscore the growing burden of retail crime on Germany’s commercial sector, adding financial strain through both direct losses and increased security expenses. Retailers continue to seek effective strategies to mitigate theft and reduce the resulting economic impact.