Additional Coverage:
- 15 Items That Get Stolen the Most During the Holidays (financebuzz.com)
Holiday Heist Season: What Thieves Are Eyeing This Year
The holiday season is usually a time for cheer, but for small businesses and retailers, it can also be a season of significant loss. Theft, in all its forms, sees a noticeable surge as the festive period approaches, with a staggering 56% of small business owners anticipating an uptick in stolen goods.
To help you stay ahead of the curve, whether you’re a business owner safeguarding your inventory or simply curious, here’s a rundown of the items most likely to vanish from shelves and displays this holiday season:
Top-Tier Tech
It’s no surprise that high-value electronics are a prime target for thieves.
- Smartphones: These pocket-sized powerhouses are always in demand, and with new models like the iPhone 15 hitting the market, their allure is even stronger. Earlier this year, two Seattle thieves reportedly made off with a cool half-million dollars worth of iPhones from an Apple store.
- Expensive Headphones: From AirPods to Beats and Bose, premium headphones, some retailing for over $500, are easy pickings. They’ll be displayed in greater numbers, offering more opportunities for sticky fingers.
Some New York City culprits have even resorted to snatching them right off people’s heads!
- Computers: Laptops and other larger gadgets are coveted gifts, and their high price tags (up to $4,000 for some models) make them lucrative targets for thieves looking to resell at a discount.
- Miscellaneous Electronic Accessories: Don’t forget the smaller stuff! Chargers, cases, stands, and other tech add-ons often get overlooked by store staff focused on the big-ticket items, making them vulnerable.
Designer Dreams and Dazzling Details
Luxury items are particularly attractive to holiday thieves, who can easily resell them to an eager market.
- Designer Items: High-end clothing, especially trendy pieces, fly off the shelves during holiday promotions – and sometimes right out the door without being paid for.
- Jewelry: A serious and escalating issue, jewelry theft saw a significant jump in 2022, with over $129 million in reported losses.
The holiday season, with its increased displays, unfortunately makes these precious items even more susceptible.
- Makeup: High-end cosmetics, skincare, and hair products from brands like Chanel can fetch a hefty price, making them appealing targets for thieves looking to make a quick buck.
- Furs: Studies show that luxury furs are stolen at an 8% higher rate during the holidays. Whether for warmth or resale, keep a close eye on these pricey garments.
- Perfume and Cologne: Even “lower-end” fragrances can be expensive. The problem has become so widespread that Sephora has reportedly resorted to locking up all perfumes, leaving out only tester bottles.
Everyday Essentials and Seasonal Wants
The holidays can be tough for many, and unfortunately, desperation can drive some theft.
- Winter Clothes: While some high-end winter wear is stolen for profit, basic items like gloves and hats can also be targeted by those in need, or simply due to their ease of concealment.
- Toys: A perennial favorite for shoplifters, toys become an even bigger target during the holidays.
Limited edition or hard-to-find items can be resold for a significant profit, or even at jacked-up prices due to scarcity.
- Cleaning and Maintenance Items: Everyday necessities like cleaning products, detergent, and even baby formula see higher theft rates during the holidays.
Thieves can resell these crucial items at lower prices to those struggling, leaving retailers to bear the cost.
- Food: With grocery bills soaring, food theft, particularly of holiday staples like turkeys, hams, and other pricey meats, increases during the festive season.
Meat, seafood, candy, and alcohol are generally the most targeted food items.
The Bottom Line
Whether driven by desperation or greed, holiday theft is a major concern for both consumers and, especially, small business owners. While increased security measures are vital during these crucial months, addressing the underlying economic strains that contribute to shoplifting could also play a role in preventing these issues altogether.
In the meantime, savvy shoppers can also employ smart spending habits to navigate the holiday season without falling victim to inflated prices or contributing to the cycle of theft.
Read More About This Story:
- 15 Items That Get Stolen the Most During the Holidays (financebuzz.com)