Why does shoplifting increase during Christmas?
As festive decorations appear, shoplifting tends to rise. Christmas increases footfall, adds distractions and puts more desirable goods on display, making theft more likely. This seasonal trend is predictable and preventable.
Retailers experience shopper surges and stretched staffing. Emotional and financial pressures can drive first time offenders to steal, while organised shoplifting gangs exploit the crowds and cluttered displays. The end of year always brings a clear spike in Q4 retail theft.
What Do We Cover In This Article?
The 10 Most Commonly Stolen Christmas Items and Why They Are So Easy to Grab
Which items are shoplifters most likely to target at Christmas?
Thieves often go for small, valuable goods that are easy to resell. Here are ten popular targets and why they appeal:
- Premium spirits – Easy to hide and in high demand.
- Boxed chocolates – Often placed near exits, ideal for gifting.
- Perfume and cosmetics – High value and compact.
- Branded baby formula – Resaleable and frequently sought after.
- Quality cuts of meat – Pricey and often left unattended.
- Gift toiletry sets – Festive packaging makes them easy to lift.
- Coffee and sweet hampers – Light, festive and popular.
- Electric toothbrushes – High value, easy to pocket.
- Toys and games – In demand and frequently left unmonitored.
- Batteries – Small but costly, commonly overlooked.
These high theft Christmas items often sit on promotional end caps or impulse aisles away from main walkways. Placing them near staffed checkouts or in CCTV view helps reduce shrinkage.
Retail Gazette and Checkpoint Systems report consistent trends showing that placement and visibility are key factors in holiday retail theft.
Pro Tip : Greet every customer near high value stock to reduce theft risk through engagement.
Secure Your Store This Season
Hire trusted, SIA certified retail security professionals for the festive period.
Why does Christmas shoplifting cost more than just lost stock?
Shoplifting impacts more than stock levels. It affects team morale, operational focus and brand trust.
When theft is common, staff can feel unsupported. A viral theft video might harm your reputation, and insurance costs can climb. Misunderstood shrinkage may also trigger internal disputes.
Losing one product might seem small, but it often reflects wider problems that influence long term business health.
Retail Trust research shows that morale and mental wellbeing dip in stores with repeated theft incidents, making this a retail loss issue, not just a security one.
How does store layout help prevent theft?
Store layout acts as a silent deterrent. The clearer the visibility, the harder it is to steal.
Avoid blocking views with tall or cluttered displays. Place expensive stock within clear lines of sight. Bright lighting helps remove shadowed areas.
Convex mirrors, visible signage and staff positioning make a big difference. From the till, you should be able to scan key sections, including alcohol and festive displays. Preventing theft by design is a cost free theft prevention strategy.
What is the fastest way to train seasonal staff for retail security?
Seasonal staff can support security when given the right tools quickly.
Start each shift with a two minute huddle. Point out what to watch for and how to act. Encourage staff to greet every customer, as thieves often back off when approached.
Let them know how to raise concerns without confrontation. Make it part of customer service, not an afterthought. Use red flag checklists, micro briefings and simple loss prevention protocols to make training part of daily routines.
Pro Tip: Rotate staff regularly during peak hours to reduce blind spots in store coverage.
Protect Your Store, Staff and Stock This Christmas
We have SIA licensed security guards ready to work at stores across the UK
What works better during Christmas: guards or CCTV?
Both serve different purposes and work best together.
Guards create a strong presence that deters theft and offers real time support. CCTV provides round the clock coverage and useful evidence.
For busy days, live security works well. CCTV fills in the gaps and ensures nothing is missed. Choose providers who know your brand and can blend in professionally. This dual approach is one of the most effective theft prevention strategies for seasonal retail.
How can retailers reduce theft at self checkout during December?
Self checkout areas see the most casual theft over Christmas.
Watch for behaviours like scanning cheaper items, avoiding bagging or hesitating near payment. Even small changes help, such as mirrored monitors, subtle audio messages or soft staff check ins.
Mix up staff patrols and maintain a tidy space. The more visible the area, the less inviting it becomes to shoplifters. Use customer funneling and scan avoidance detection to identify and respond to risks.
AI photo’s of a shoplifters in action at Christmas time
How can internal theft increase at Christmas and what prevents it?
Internal theft becomes more likely when seasonal staff are rushed in and supervision drops.
Use simple measures like bag checks, access logs and rotating roles. Set the tone early. Everyone shares responsibility for keeping the store safe.
Make reporting easy and non judgemental. Culture matters. Staff who feel trusted and informed are more likely to uphold security standards. Internal shrink often goes unnoticed without clear procedures.
Urban vs Rural: How Store Location Affects Theft Risks
Store location changes the type and frequency of theft.
Urban sites tend to deal with repeat offenders, organised gangs and heavier footfall. Rural shops may face fewer incidents, but often lack dedicated security or extra staff.
Each environment has its challenges. Urban stores benefit from layered protection, while rural ones gain more from visibility and consistent customer interaction.
Christmas and Beyond: How It Compares with Other Theft Peaks
Christmas is the busiest, but it is not the only peak for shoplifting.
Watch for spikes around:
- Black Friday – deep discounts and big crowds
- Back to school – high demand for clothing and supplies
- Summer holidays – fewer staff and more footfall
Understanding the rhythm of the retail calendar helps prevent problems before they start. Planning quarterly shrinkage prevention tactics builds long term protection.
Mini FAQ: Quickfire Answers to Common Security Concerns
Do mirrors really stop theft? Yes. Convex mirrors improve visibility and deter behaviour.
Will too much surveillance upset shoppers? Not if used wisely. Polite reminders and helpful staff maintain balance.
Should high risk products be removed from shelves? Usually no. Secure displays, dummy boxes or staff proximity work better.
How do we know when to bring in help? Repeated issues, rising shrinkage or overworked teams are clear signs. Extra support, even short term, can prevent greater losses.
Know When It Is Time to Call in the Experts
Waiting too long to seek help can cost more in the end.
If problems keep repeating or your team is stretched thin, external support makes sense. A good security firm will offer flexible, professional help tailored to busy retail periods.
Always choose a security provider with SIA approval and retail experience. They should understand how to protect your stock without disturbing your brand or customer atmosphere.
Secure. Festive. Profitable. Let Us Make It Happen
Christmas brings opportunities and challenges. Shoplifting does not have to be one of them.
With practical planning, clear procedures and the right support, you can focus on selling well and keeping your staff confident.
Double Check Security Group is ready to help. We work behind the scenes so your team stays focused on what matters most, happy customers and a strong festive season.
