Survey: More Shoplifters, Dishonest Employees Are Stealing from U.S. Retailers

  • Jun 18, 2013

Just 23 major retailers apprehended more than 1.1 million shoplifters and dishonest employees and recovered more than $189 million from these thieves in 2012, according to the 25th Annual Retail Theft Survey conducted by Jack L. Hayes International, a loss prevention and inventory shrinkage control consulting firm.

“In 2012, shoplifting apprehensions increased 7.4 percent and the recovery dollars from shoplifters increased a amazing 22.7 percent". Dishonest employee apprehensions and recovery dollars also increased in 2012, 5.5 percent and 7.0 percent respectively", said Mark R. Doyle, President of Jack L. Hayes International. "It should be noted that these increases follow similar increases reported the previous year The seriousness of retail theft is a much greater problem than many people realize. These theft losses are stealing profits from retailers and driving retail prices higher for the consumer."

Highlights from thisannual theft survey include:

Participants: 23 large retail companies with 18,900 stores and more than $596 billion in retail sales (2012).

Apprehensions: 1,145,688 shoplifters and dishonest employees were apprehended in 2012, up 7.3 percent from 2011.

  • Recovery Dollars: More than $189 million was recovered from apprehended shoplifters and dishonest employees in 2012, up 18.1 percent from 2011.
  • Shoplifter Apprehensions: 1,074,593 shoplifters were apprehended in 2012, up 7.4 percent from 2011.
  • Shoplifter Recovery Dollars: Over $138 million was recovered from apprehended shoplifters in 2012, an increase of 22.7 percent from 2011. An additional $46.8 million was recovered from shoplifters where no apprehension was made, up a significant 25.2 percent from 2011.
  • Employee Apprehensions: 71,095 dishonest employees were apprehended in 2012, up 5.5 percent from 2011.
  • Employee Recovery Dollars: More than $50 million was recovered from employee apprehensions in 2012, up 7.0 percent from 2011.
  • One out of every 40 employees was apprehended for theft from their employer in 2012. (Based on over 2.8 million employees.)
  • On a per case average, dishonest employees steal approximately 5.5 times the amount stolen by shoplifters ($715.24 vs $129.12.)

For full survey results visit our website at: http://www.hayesinternational.com.

Featured

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.