Retail theft in Germany has surged to alarming levels, resulting in significant financial losses for businesses across the country. According to Stefan Genth, CEO of the German Retail Federation (HDE), the damages incurred from shoplifting in 2024 reached three billion euros, a 20% increase compared to 2022.
Genth dismissed suggestions that the rise in theft is directly linked to the increasing prevalence of self-scanning checkout systems. He attributes the problem primarily to the activities of organized crime rings and an increase in aggressive individual offenders.
“We’re seeing highly professional criminal gangs operating with considerable sophistication” Genth stated. “These groups deliberately target city centers, stealing high-value goods such as perfumes, shoes and electronics and then reselling them on the grey market”. He also noted a concerning trend of escalating aggression from solo offenders attempting to evade capture.
A critical challenge, identified by Genth, lies in the current state of law enforcement and prosecution. Retailers are reporting instances where they file charges, only for prosecutors to subsequently dismiss them, citing concerns about efficiency. This practice has led to widespread frustration among businesses, with many now reluctant to report thefts to the police. Consequently, a significant number of incidents go unreported, creating a substantial “dark figure” of crime, with an estimated 98% of shoplifting incidents not being officially reported.
Genth is advocating for legislative reforms, increased investment in security measures and improvements to the judicial system. He expressed apprehension about the potential for a scenario reminiscent of conditions seen in the United States, where retailers are forced to display merchandise behind glass as a security precaution. He believes a firmer approach from the government and improved resources for law enforcement are essential to address the growing problem and prevent a further erosion of trust within the retail sector.