Published on 6/23/2026
Losses resulting from thefts in the retail trade sector in Germany recorded a new record level during the year 2025, continuing to rise for the fourth year in a row, amid warnings of the growing role of organized gangs and demands to tighten the prosecution of shoplifting crimes.
A study conducted by the EHI Trade Research Institute showed that the value of stolen goods exceeded 4.3 billion euros (about 4.9 billion dollars), an increase of 3.1% compared to 2024.
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Customer thefts accounted for the bulk of these losses, amounting to about 3.05 billion euros (about 3.5 billion dollars), while about a third of this amount was attributed to organized criminal groups.
Thefts by employees of retail trade companies also caused losses amounting to 910 million euros (about 1.04 billion dollars), while losses from thefts committed by employees of supply and service companies, such as craftsmen and cleaners, amounted to about 370 million euros (about 422 million dollars).
According to the study, total losses between 2020 and 2025 increased by about 29%, while customer theft losses increased by more than 41%.
The study indicated that part of this increase may be related to high inflation rates, as consumer prices increased during the same period by more than 20%, while food prices rose by about 35%.
EHI expert Frank Horst described combating organized and professional theft as “the biggest challenge facing the sector,” adding that the increase in “regular” thefts committed by customers “also raises concern.”
For its part, the German Trade Federation called for intensifying the prosecution of shoplifting crimes, and improving the capabilities of law enforcement agencies and courts.
The study was based on a survey that included 103 companies operating 21,225 stores, where the participating companies estimated the distribution of losses among customers, employees, and others who caused them, before generalizing the results to the entire retail market in Germany.
