Neither hats nor ice cream: this is what is being stolen most in shops this summer

Rising temperatures aren’t the only thing that worsens as summer arrives in Spain; shoplifting also climbs. Although this season conjures up visions of sunshine, beaches, and lively nights, it also marks a key period for the business sector, which experiences a considerable spike in shoplifting.

In fact, roughly 26% of all thefts occur during this time, which concerns both small businesses and major corporations. The flood of tourists and vacationers increases activity in stores, supermarkets, and restaurants, creating a favourable atmosphere for thieves, who take advantage of the chaos and heavy traffic to more easily strike.

The most commonly stolen products differ by area and season. In coastal areas, for example, stolen items may differ from those stolen in inland areas.

As a result, the coast, the epicentre of summer tourism, becomes the ideal location for individuals who perceive the summer as a time for crime. The massive influx of people and the overflow of activity at establishments create ideal conditions for the spread of small thefts, which, when combined, result in significant economic losses.

Criminals tailor their targets to seasonal consumption trends, allowing them to identify the most stolen products nationwide throughout the summer.

According to Checkpoint Systems Spain’s Market Analytics Department, sunscreen is the most popular product, followed by alcoholic beverages and oils. Mosquito repellents and sunglasses round up the top five, as they are intimately associated with summer consumption.

However, the most often stolen products vary by area. In the Valencian Community, for example, lotions and sunscreens, alcoholic beverages, and oils are the top three most stolen commodities.

“Increased crowds provide criminals with the anonymity they seek, and criminal organisations are well aware of this. That is why they are more active throughout the summer. According to Carlos Cruz, Sales Director of Checkpoint Systems in Spain, organised gangs are responsible for around 55% of thefts, selecting high-value products to resell on illegal markets.

Furthermore, the most typical profile of a thief is that of a serial offender: two out of every three thefts are committed by individuals who commit crimes at least three times per year. According to Checkpoint data, nearly half of those who commit these crimes (44%) are under the age of 30.

The Retail Theft Barometer, published by Checkpoint Systems in collaboration with AECOC and NIQ, predicts that unknown loss accounts for 0.74% of the distribution sector’s sales in Spain. This translates into an estimated €482.5 million in losses for the summer alone, which is of particular concern to merchants.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, summer thefts accounted for 26.2% of the annual total in 2024, with over 170,000 occurrences. However, there was a 3.5% decline from the previous summer, which could signal an early stage of stabilisation after years of consistent growth.

“The rising trend of shoplifting this summer highlights the critical need to tighten security measures at places of sale. “At Checkpoint Systems, we have spent years developing cutting-edge technologies that help retailers protect their stores and reduce losses caused by organised crime,” says Carlos Cruz.

The company continues to prioritise innovation and cutting-edge technology by providing solutions tailored to each type of organisation. From RFID systems to innovative anti-theft tools, Checkpoint works to secure product control across the whole supply chain, ensuring their safe arrival on the shelves.