The theft of food products, which accounts for no less than 40% of thefts that occur in supermarkets, is on the rise and the notable inflation that the food and beverage group has experienced in recent months could have something to do with it.
These are some of the conclusions of the report by The Source Tagging Company (STC), a company specialized in product protection systems at the point of sale, which after conducting a study has identified the most stolen items in each autonomous community.
In Catalonia, they bring cava; in Galicia, the octopus; the Andalusians are more of cheese, and in Cantabria, of prawns and prawns. In Ceuta and Melilla, as in Extremadura and Murcia, they steal extra virgin olive oil, in the Balearic Islands, typical liquors from their land; and in Madrid... It's funny, but they prefer ice cream, as is also the case in Valencia.
Despite the fact that each community has its preferences, the products that are most stolen throughout the state are Iberian products, liquors, tuna or wine. In addition, the study shows that the foods most chosen by thieves are gourmet, such as native foods and those characteristic of the Mediterranean diet.
What is the profile of the people who commit these thefts? Well, it turns out that there is no specific one. “Theft is not inherent in particular to anyone. Young people, adults and the elderly steal, regardless of sex or economic condition. They are committed equally between regular customers and professional thieves, but the motivation is different, ”says the company.
And they add that the constant rise in food prices does not help theft to stop increasing. “The reasons are clear: less economic availability and created needs that we cannot fail to satisfy. We prioritize gyms, mobile or digital platforms, which we pay religiously and monthly by bank. However, when we buy it is easy to 'distract' some products, whether they are necessary or for pure pleasure," they conclude.
