Shoplifting Statistics

The costs associated with theft of merchandise are passed onto consumers in the form of higher prices, understaffing and loss of tax revenue. Shoplifters do not have a profile; they are distributed across the spectrum of age, race and gender. People steal from discount stores that sell items for a dollar and upscale establishments that sell items valued in the thousands of dollars.

The facts about shoplifting

Every year, more than $13 billion in merchandise is stolen. There is one shoplifter for every 11 people in this country. In the past five years, more than 10 million offenders were caught. Most offenders are adults. Only about 25% of shoplifters are teens. More than half of adult offenders say they started as teens. Most shoplifters are not pros. Some steal for economic reasons, but many steal to alleviate pressures in their lives or to experience the thrill of doing something dangerous. Over half of adults and a third of teens say it is hard to stop shoplifting once they start..

Knowing the statistics on shoplifting can help stores formulate programs to prevent loss of valuable merchandise. Knowing who shoplifts and why means stores can train employees to spot potential shoplifters more effectively, as well as recover merchandise before it has left the store. Statistics help consumers and communities know the risks and dangers of shoplifting; it is not a victimless crime. Every stolen item hurts someone, usually the consumer at the cash register, and the community at tax time.