Shoplifting incidents are on the rise, causing significant concern for retailers like Marc and Carolin Demski, who manage multiple stores in Berlin. They face challenges from persistent thieves, including organized crime, leading to substantial financial losses. Despite implementing enhanced security measures and training staff to identify shoplifters, the situation remains dire, with an estimated monthly loss of 10,000 euros. Retailers are calling for stronger legal action to combat this growing threat, fearing for the future of their businesses.
Rising Shoplifting Incidents: A Growing Concern for Retailers
The frequency of shoplifting incidents is climbing at an alarming rate, leaving many store owners worried about their viability. In an effort to combat this trend, retailers are turning to various security measures, including surveillance cameras, mirrors, and even theft protection systems on products like olive oil.
Everyday Thieves: The Challenge of Persistent Shoplifters
At the Berlin health food store Demski, some thieves have become regular customers. One elderly woman, who appears polite and friendly, has been caught stealing items worth up to 1,000 euros during her visits. Owner Marc Andreas Demski notes that many individuals feel entitled to take items as if they are simply getting a discount, with the abundance of merchandise seeming to lessen the impact of their actions.
Marc and his wife Carolin manage eight stores across Berlin, and they are increasingly facing organized crime. These professional thieves often arrive with shopping lists, targeting a wide range of products from tea and honey to vitamins, cosmetics, and even slippers.
In their fight against theft, the Demskis have implemented strict security measures. All their locations are under constant video surveillance, and more valuable items are now kept behind locked displays, leaving only empty packaging on the shelves. “It’s almost impossible to display anything, as theft is so rampant,” Carolin remarks.
Recently, a thief brazenly stole a hundred bars of chocolate while being filmed by several cameras, resulting in a loss of 250 euros. To prevent theft, olive oil bottles are now equipped with security tags, and staff members have the added responsibility of managing these security systems during purchases. Notices on the shelves warn customers that tampering with the security features could lead to breakage.
The growing popularity of organic food contributes to the Demskis’ business expansion, but they have trained their staff to identify potential shoplifters and maintain vigilance. However, this creates a precarious situation as their employees are primarily there to assist customers, not to act as security personnel. The risk to staff safety is also a concern; an employee was recently assaulted by a thief.
Despite their efforts, the Demskis have not hired dedicated store detectives due to cost concerns. Many thefts go unnoticed until inventory checks reveal discrepancies, resulting in an estimated monthly loss of around 10,000 euros. The German Retail Association (HDE) estimates that retail losses from theft amount to several billion euros nationwide.
To combat shoplifting, retailers invest approximately 1.5 billion euros annually in security measures, highlighting the economic strain placed on the industry. With some shopping centers facing declining foot traffic and a surge in online competition, the threat of vacant stores looms large.
After years of stabilization, shoplifting incidents have surged once more, with 426,000 cases reported last year—an increase of over 23 percent from 2022. Organized gang thefts have also seen significant rises, although many incidents likely go unreported, as estimates suggest that 90 percent of thefts are not documented by authorities.
Many retailers have adopted self-checkout systems, but not all customers are comfortable with this technology. The Demskis continue to report theft incidents, yet they express frustration at the lengthy processes and minimal penalties that often follow. They urge for a stronger stance from the judicial system and policymakers to address shoplifting effectively.
“If we don’t take action soon, it might be too late. Stores like ours could disappear entirely,” warns Marc Andreas Demski. The ongoing mistrust towards every customer, financial losses, and security measures create a bleak outlook for their retail experience, threatening the very essence of their business.
“It’s incredibly disheartening and leads to countless sleepless nights,” he adds. “Our survival is at stake.”