Are fears of a shoplifting surge running away from the facts?
No, fears of a shoplifting surge are justified and based on facts. Shoplifting is a growing problem in many global markets, and retailers are increasingly employing technology to address the issue. Shoplifting increased in the US by almost 28 percent from 2016 to 2018, according to the National Retail Federation. As the economic downturn due to COVID-19 continues, the demand for items is rising while the availability of them shrink, creating incentives for shoplifting. Many retail stores have also had to limit customer numbers inside the store, making it easier for shoplifters to go undetected.