Tis the season to spend money. And, for retailers, it’s the season to make money.
However, with these tough economic times, it’s also the time for some shoplifting.
According to Adweek, one in every eleven people will partake in some theft. In fact, retailers could lose some $119 billion from shoplifters. Most surprisingly, shoplifters are employed adults, not some teenage punks. So, what are people taking from stores with their five-finger discounts?
10. Athletic Shoes
The U.S. Justice department claims that big-name athletic shoes are in high-demand for shoplifters. Shoes are popular and rather easy to take, since a person can show up in flip-flops, try on a pair of shoes and walk out.
9. Chanel No. 5
According to the 2011 Global Retail Theft Barometer expensive fragrances currently make up close to 4 percent of losses in stores in which they’re sold. Fragrances are popular for thieves because they can be used as gifts, for personal use and to resell. Also, they’re size allows people to easily pocket them.
8. Let’s Rock Elmo
Elmo has once again topped Toys”R”Us 2011 “Hot Toys” list. Elmo, and other popular toys, are a favorite for shoplifters because people want to give their kids a Christmas that they’ve been previously accustomed to. While that’s not shocking, it’s how people steal a bulky item like this that’s the real kicker.
7. Mens Designer Clothing
Clothing theft has increased by 31 percent since 2009, but, it’s always been a favorite item for shoplifters. Rachel Shteir, author of The Steal: A Cultural History of Shoplifting, believes designer clothing is stolen because people want to transform themselves. Polo and Tommy Hilfiger are some of the most stolen.
6. Axe
All year round Axe deodorants and body washes are commonly pocketed. They’re small, sold almost everywhere and guys must believe the ads that Axe actually makes them chick magnets. Recently, CVS and Walgreens felt the wrath of shoplifters taking Axe.
5. Razor Replacement Blades
Shaving products account for 2.7 percent of store inventory losses. This is actually a no-brainier. Replacement blades are essential and expensive, we’re talking about you Gillette. It’s no surprise that stolen razor blades show-up on the resale market.
4. Electronic Gadgets
Electronic gadgets are always popular items for shoplifters. In fact, the AJ Novick Group has estimated that some 100,000 laptops will walk this year. With more gadgets that people must have, like the iPhone 4, these types of items will see an increase in theft.
3. Electronic Tools
Nottingham University in the U.K., found that the most common items men steal are electric toothbrushes and power tools (FYI: more men steal than women). In the U.S., plug-in tools are the most popular DIY gadgets stolen.
2. Liqueur
Expensive liqueurs make-up 2.9 percent of stolen merchandise. Alcoholics, minors and obviously people without enough cash make these popular amongst shoplifters.
1. Filet Mignon
The U.S. Department of Justice found that choice cut meats are the items stolen most, which make supermarkets/grocery stores the most popular locations for shoplifters. In fact, the loss rate for meat has risen 21 percent between 2009 and 2011. Again, not a shocker because even in these tough times, everyone enjoys a nice cut of meat.
Also, just for good measure, the Cadillac Escalade was named the most stolen vehicle for a fourth straight year. So, if you’re out shoplifting some of the above items, and you have an Escalade, don’t be surprised if it’s gone or has been broken into.
Albert Costill
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